The Bakassi Dispute and the International Court of Justice: Continuing Challenges

On the 10th of October 2002 the International Court of Justice delivered the Bakassi decision, which, amongst other things, excised the resource rich land and maritime territory of Bakassi from Nigeria and transferred its legal title to Cameroon. These two countries under the auspices of the United Nations established the mechanism of the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission to honour and implement their obligations under the ICJ decision. Over a decade after the ICJ decision this volume brings together academics and practitioners to assess the impact of this decision and the challenges and issues that have been raised in the course of its implementation. Hailed by some as a model of preventive diplomacy and a blueprint for the future, this timely assessment illuminates the difficulties in imposing such controversial decisions and considers whether this type of Mixed Commission is an adequate mechanism for implementing them.

Dr Edwin Egede is a Senior Lecturer in Law and International Relations at Cardiff University, UK. His research interests are in the areas of: Public International Law; Law of the Sea; African Blue Economy; International Organisations, especially the United Nations; Human Rights & Civil Liberties and International Relations. He has authored a number of books and journal articles on international law, the law of the sea and various international issues. In addition, he is a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria with extensive practice experience.

Dr Mark Igiehon is President, Oil & Mining for Good Global Forum (a centre of global expertise on the strategic utilization of petroleum and mining resources to produce much good) and a Teaching Fellow, University of Aberdeen, UK. He has variously worked as a legal advisor within the oil industry. His research interests are in the areas of Oil, Gas, and Environmental Law. He is the author of a number of articles in these and related areas.