Bakassi to Cameroon Retrocession: President Paul Biya Gets “Grand Prix du sage Africain” at 15th Anniversary

By Synthia Lateu

BUEA, August 16, 2023 – Cameroon's president, Paul Biya has been recognized with the “Grand Prix du sage African” award for his successful resolution of the conflict between Nigeria and Cameroon over the oil-rich Bakassi Peninsula. The award, handed during the 3rd edition of "Les awards de l'avenir” in the country's political capital, Yaounde, coincided with the 15th anniversary of the handover of Bakassi to Cameroon.

August 14, 2008, marked the return of Cameroon's sovereignty over this peninsula, following a long judicial and diplomatic process. Political observers and international relations analysts said this was possible due to President Biya's approach that favoured dialogue and the peaceful resolution of conflicts

Representing the president at the award ceremony, the Minister of Communication, Rene Emmanuel Sadi recalled the history that surrounded the event and pointed out that the successful negotiation was hailed by many as a victory for legality, peace, and brotherhood. He further praised the long-term fraternal relations between Cameroon and Nigeria, based on mutual respect.

Found in the Gulf of Guinea, the Bakassi peninsula measures some 1000 Km2 with a population of about 200,000 people with four subdivisions and four municipalities. After taking over the territory, the government focused on Infrastructural development including road construction, schools, residential quarters, and offices amongst other establishments.

Over 1.1 billion CFAF was recently invested in Idabato, Bakassi in the South West Region to construct grandstands, health centres, residents for the mayors and its deputy, amongst other things. The Bakassi peninsula is reported to possess a huge potential in oil and gas exploitation in Cameroon, estimated to hold oil deposits of billions of barrels.