CAMEROON-NIGERIA JOINT COMMISSION ENDS ON A HIGH

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 YAOUNDE 001041 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR AF/C AND AF/W E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/21/2018 TAGS: AORC CM ECON MARR NI PREL SUBJECT: CAMEROON-NIGERIA JOINT COMMISSION ENDS ON A HIGH NOTE REF: YAOUNDE 987 Classified By: Pol/Econ Chief Scott Ticknor for reasons 1.4 (d) and (e) ¶1. (SBU) Summary: The October 8-11 Fourth Session of the Cameroon-Nigeria Joint Commission highlighted the desire by both countries for a new era of cooperation. The final document from the session called for expanded cooperation on security, including joint land and maritime patrols and intelligence sharing. The two sides discussed strengthening consular cooperation, trade and economic ties, as well as an array of joint education, youth, cultural and science exchanges and activities. The parties agreed to consider a number of draft agreements on issues ranging from air services and electricity to the management of protected areas and police cooperation. Both sides agreed to consider the creation of a Permanent Cameroon-Nigeria Commission, along with the establishment of a Joint Security Committee and Border Patrol, and a permanent Committee on Consular and Immigration matters. The Cameroonian and Nigerian Foreign Ministers publicly and privately praised the new spirit of friendly relations, while agreeing that much work remains to be done to build on the vast agenda set during this first Cameroon-Nigerian Joint Commission meeting in six years. Both sides appear to be looking to the USG for assistance with improving security in Bakassi. End summary. A Very Broad Agenda -------------- ¶2. (U) The agreed minutes of the October 8-11 Joint Commission session applauded the positive roles played by the Presidents of Cameroon and Nigeria as well as the United Nations and "all friendly countries" in the peaceful settlement of the Bakassi dispute. It lamented the "lull in bilateral relations" between Nigeria and Cameroon since the last Joint Commission meeting in 2002, arguing for "an accelerated implementation of all pending decisions within a specific timeframe." ¶3. (U) The published minutes note the following outcome of the Joint Commission meeting: -- Security Cooperation: The parties agreed to do joint land and maritime patrols of the border, undertake military/security confidence building measures (training, seminars/workshops, exchanges of experts etc.),collaborate on intelligence and joint investigation of criminal activities, and undertake joint search and rescue operations as needed. The document noted Cameroon's desire that "procedures for the rapid exchange of security information using existing structures should be put in place." -- Education, Youth and Cultural Exchanges: the two sides exchanged draft agreements on cooperation in culture, tourism, education, science and technology, health and social development. Cameroon submitted three additional draft agreements on medical sciences, science and technology cooperation, and higher education. Cameroon and Nigeria agreed to initiate youth and sports exchanges and to cooperate on study missions, academic exchanges, and efforts to harmonize university qualifications and fees. On science and technology, they agreed to highlight cooperation in the security of geological zones; the production of biofuels; agricultural research; the fight against epizootic diseases, HIV/AIDS and STDs; and quality control and circulation of drugs. The two parties agreed to formalize a consultative framework for the joint management of cross-border protected areas and to implement an exchange of television programs. -- Consular and Immigration Matters: the two sides agreed on regular high level consultations on consular matters and the "creation of public awareness" on immigration requirements in both countries. Nigeria proposed: the creation of a document for travelers without passports; the formal acceptance of 90 days of free stay in each other's countries without registration; the elimination of fees for residence permits and exit visas; and payment of pensioners without insisting on residence permits. The Nigerians also sought an agreement by both parties to enhance the welfare of prisoners, to explore the possibility of prisoner exchanges, and to revive the 1972 Protocol on Judicial Matters. Cameroon said it had already submitted proposals on these consular matters to Nigeria and that both sides would respond through diplomatic channels. -- Economic and Trade Cooperation: the two sides agreed to YAOUNDE 00001041 002 OF 003 explore ways to boost bilateral trade and strengthen cooperation between business chambers. They proposed concluding an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, updating the 1963 Trade Agreement, and negotiating a draft agreement on the elimination of double taxation. They agreed to intensify support for African Development Bank-facilitated projects for the construction and maintenance of link roads and the trans-African highway. They agreed to strengthen customs cooperation in Mfum (described as a "unique" border post) and to cooperate in combating smuggling across borders. Other Agreements: the parties agreed to consider draft agreements on air services, the free movement of persons, goods and services, and police cooperation. The Nigerians submitted draft agreements on health and on the management of trans-border parks (which Cameroon wants to extend to all parks along the common border). Cameroon had previously submitted to Nigeria draft agreements on livestock, fisheries and animal husbandry; culture; and sports and physical education. In addition, at the Joint Commission session, Cameroon submitted drafts of the following: a draft convention on the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of tax evasion; a framework convention on Cameroon-Nigeria electricity interconnection and the electrification of trans-border localities; a framework agreement on science and technology; a framework agreement on information and communication; an agreement on cooperation on judicial matters; a protocol agreement on land transportation of goods; an agreement to set up a standing committee on transport; an agreement on higher education; a cooperation agreement on youth development; a trade agreement. Nigeria agreed to review these documents and respond within three months. Proposed Institutional Framework: Nigeria proposed the establishment of a consultative framework for the follow-up and implementation of these agreements. Both sides said they would consider the creation of a Permanent Cameroon-Nigeria Commission (PCNC),the establishment of a Joint Security Committee and Border Patrol, and a permanent Committee on Consular and Immigration matters, with discussions to be concluded in 2009. The parties endorsed more regular consultations between Ministries of Foreign Affairs and the exchange of visits by high level government officials. They agreed that the next Joint Committee session would take place in Abuja at a mutually acceptable date. Comment -------------- ¶4. (SBU) The Joint Commission appeared to jump-start a relationship which had been strained over Bakassi, outlining an exhaustive agenda of proposed areas for cooperation. Both sides agreed that there is need for significant follow-up (it is not clear how much meat is on the many draft agreements and proposals put forth). However, both the Cameroonians and the Nigerians seemed delighted with the atmospherics and scope of the Joint Commission meeting and with its significance in putting bilateral relations on a new, positive path. ¶5. (C) In his concluding speech, Nigerian Foreign Minster Ojo Maduekwe hailed the "peace dividends" and the "transcendent effort" which this Joint Commission achieved. He said he had gained new inspiration as a Foreign Minister from the way Bakassi was settled and the follow-on agenda for improving Nigeria-Cameroon relations, proclaiming that diplomacy was "the civil religion of the world." Maduekwe privately confirmed to Pol/Econ Chief that he was very pleased with the Joint Commission session, adding that the Government of Cameroon (GRC) was extremely appreciative of the fact that President Yar'Adua had stuck to Nigeria's agreements in the Greentree Accord, despite serious opposition from within the country. He confirmed that the GRC was receptive to joint military patrols and opined that President Yar'Adua had gotten the Nigerian military "on board" in cooperating with Cameroonian counterparts. ¶6. (SBU) Cameroonian Foreign Minister Henri Eyebe Ayissi arrived in Cameroon the night before the closing ceremony, missing the substance of the Joint Commission meetings but driving directly from the airport to the event's gala dinner. In his closing remarks, he was also brimming with praise for what he called "the Cam-Nigeria New Spirit," specifically highlighting the "milestones" reached on energy cooperation. In an October 17 meeting with visiting Acting Director for YAOUNDE 00001041 003 OF 003 AF/C Siria Lopez, Secretary General at the Ministry of External Relations (MINREX) Sebastien Foumane praised the "very new era" of bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Cameroon, saying that both parties were very satisfied "at high levels" with the Joint Commission session, including with plans for joint patrols and security cooperation. He highlighted decisions during the Joint Commission for better cooperation on electricity and park protection and was pleased with the breadth of the overall discussions. ¶7. (C) Foumane affirmed that Cameroon "needs help from its friend countries" to tackle the security challenges of Bakassi. Other senior MINREX officials have also recently underscored to Emboffs what they see as the priority need for USG assistance on security in Bakassi. Pol/Econ Chief had informally briefed Foreign Minister Maduekwe earlier in the week about U.S. security cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea. On the margins of the Joint Commission closing ceremony, the Foreign Minister reminded Pol/Econ Chief about this discussion, noting his appreciation and interest in exploring a U.S. role in the new Cameroon-Nigeria maritime security plans and adding that Nigeria and Cameroon recognize they face common challenges in this area. As noted reftel, the new spirit of cooperation between Nigeria and Cameroon and their apparent desire for U.S. assistance, will offer new opportunities for the United States to help strengthen security in the region and our relationships with both countries. GARVEY