World Court Rules for Cameroon in Prolonged Oil-Land Border Dispute With Nigeria

The World Court has declared Cameroon the rightful owner of the Bakassi peninsula, ending the country's long-standing dispute with Nigeria. Located in the Gulf of Guinea, the Bakassi area is rich in oil and has provided important naval access for Nigeria. Concern that the Nigerian military might balk at the decision worried some observers, but many are encouraged that the presidents of both countries did agree to respect the court's decision. How well they are able to enforce the decision will be seen as a test of regional stability and the Court's authority. For Cameroon, whose oil production has been steadily declining, the decision may lead to an upturn in its stagnating economy. – YaleGlobal