afrol News, 22 August - Cameroonian President Paul Biya has vowed to protect rights of Nigerians living in Bakassi peninsula, following hand over of oil-rich area to his country last week Thursday.

"I want to reaffirm that Cameroon will honour all the commitments made concerning our Nigerian brothers and sisters, their security and rights will always be guaranteed,'' Biya said in a speech broadcast on national television yesterday.

Around 90 percent of population in Bakassi is made up of Nigerian fishermen and their families but an international court ruled in favour of Cameroon in 2002. At least 100,000 people have moved from the peninsula in recent years to Nigeria.

Bakassi was ceded after International Court of Justice ruled in favour of Cameroon, ending long-running dispute over peninsula's sovereignty. The court's judgment was based on an early 20th century colonial agreement between Britain and Germany.

Transfer of Bakassi was hailed by international community, including United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, as a model for negotiated settlements of border disputes.

Over 50 people were killed in border fighting last year. Unknown Nigerian group launched two attacks on Cameroonian soldiers in Bakassi last month and has promised to stage more attacks in the region. Territorial dispute almost brought the two countries on brink of war in 1981.

Bakassi peninsular, with its proximity to Niger Delta, heart of Nigeria's oil production, industry experts believe could hold significant amounts of oil deposits that would help boost Cameroon's declining production of around 90,000 barrels per day.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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