This study offers a compelling revision of the meagre Nigerian historiography on the Bakassi Peninsula. It argues that Nigeria’s claim of ownership of the Peninsula is logically indefensible and historically unsustainable. It contends further that Efik irredentism which found its expression in Nigeria’s attempt to forcefully annex the Bakassi Peninsula is based on historical claims that are in reality largely ahistorical. The study is of the opinion that Nigeria’s occupation of, and attempts to exercise sovereignty over the Peninsula emanated from the predictable desire of the Nigerian ruling elite to appropriate Bakassi’s abundant natural resources and the strategic advantage that the Peninsula holds for Nigeria’s oil interests in the Gulf of Guinea.
This study further analyses the border-cum-migration problematics that prevail in the Peninsula. It argues that patterns of migrant life rooted in historic and still functioning socio-cultural and economic networks persist in defiance equally of national and international agreements and political claims to ethnic solidarity.
The study concludes that peace can only be guaranteed in the Bakassi Peninsula, and indeed in virtually all conflict prone African borderlands, if African governments respect the old ‘glass houses rule’ (i.e. the 1964 Cairo Declaration by the OAU) and acknowledge that colonial treaties and national borders, irrespective of their arbitrariness and artificiality, constitute the foundation of all modern African state structures.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The Author
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This monograph offers a critical reassessment of the Nigerian historiography on the Bakassi Peninsula, challenging the legitimacy of Nigeria's claim to the region. It examines the historical context of Efik irredentism and the role of resource exploitation in shaping Nigeria's actions. Furthermore, it analyzes migration patterns and their interaction with national and international agreements. The ultimate objective is to explore pathways towards peace in the Bakassi Peninsula and other conflict-prone African borderlands by advocating for the respect of existing borders despite their historical complexities.
- Historical inaccuracies in Nigeria's claim to the Bakassi Peninsula
- The role of resource exploitation and strategic advantage in fueling the conflict
- The persistence of migration patterns despite political and legal frameworks
- The implications of colonial treaties and arbitrary borders on African state structures
- The importance of respecting existing borders for peace and stability in African borderlands
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This chapter introduces the complex relationship between the uses and misuses of history, particularly highlighting the case of Bakassi Peninsula's cession to Cameroon. It underscores the arbitrary nature of colonial borders and their impact on creating heterogeneous states and splitting homogenous groups. The chapter points out the limited academic literature specifically focusing on the Bakassi Peninsula, lamenting the reliance on newspaper reports for information on the topic. It briefly mentions existing scholarly work that touches on related issues but doesn't provide a deep analysis of the peninsula itself. The lack of focused research emphasizes the need for further investigation into the historical and political complexities of the region.
The Author: This section provides biographical information about Olukoya Ogen, the author of the monograph, detailing his academic background, affiliations, research interests, and publications. It showcases his extensive experience and expertise in African borderland studies and related fields, lending credibility to his analysis of the Bakassi Peninsula conflict.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Bakassi Peninsula, Nigeria, Cameroon, African borderlands, colonial borders, ethnic identity, resource exploitation, migration, historical revisionism, peacebuilding, OAU, international agreements.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Critical Reassessment of the Nigerian Historiography on the Bakassi Peninsula
What is the main focus of this monograph?
This monograph critically reassesses the Nigerian historiography on the Bakassi Peninsula, challenging the legitimacy of Nigeria's claim to the region. It investigates the historical context of Efik irredentism, the role of resource exploitation, migration patterns, and the impact of colonial treaties on the conflict. Ultimately, it aims to explore pathways towards peace in the Bakassi Peninsula and similar African borderlands by emphasizing the importance of respecting existing borders despite their historical complexities.
What are the key themes explored in the monograph?
Key themes include historical inaccuracies in Nigeria's claim to Bakassi, the role of resource exploitation and strategic advantage in fueling the conflict, persistent migration patterns despite political and legal frameworks, the implications of colonial treaties and arbitrary borders on African state structures, and the importance of respecting existing borders for peace and stability in African borderlands.
What does the monograph say about the historical context of the Bakassi Peninsula dispute?
The monograph highlights the arbitrary nature of colonial borders and their impact on creating heterogeneous states and splitting homogenous groups. It points out the limited academic literature specifically focusing on the Bakassi Peninsula and emphasizes the need for further investigation into the historical and political complexities of the region.
What is the role of resource exploitation in the Bakassi Peninsula conflict?
The monograph examines how resource exploitation and strategic advantage have fueled the conflict over the Bakassi Peninsula, contributing to the ongoing tensions and disputes.
What is the significance of migration patterns in the context of the Bakassi Peninsula?
The monograph analyzes migration patterns and their interaction with national and international agreements, demonstrating their persistence despite existing political and legal frameworks.
What is the author's background and expertise?
The "The Author" section provides biographical information about Olukoya Ogen, detailing his academic background, affiliations, research interests, and publications, establishing his credibility in African borderland studies.
What are the key takeaways or conclusions of the monograph?
The monograph advocates for respecting existing borders in Africa, despite their complex and often arbitrary historical origins, as a crucial step towards peace and stability in conflict-prone regions like the Bakassi Peninsula.
What keywords are associated with this monograph?
Keywords include Bakassi Peninsula, Nigeria, Cameroon, African borderlands, colonial borders, ethnic identity, resource exploitation, migration, historical revisionism, peacebuilding, OAU, and international agreements.
What is included in the Table of Contents?
The table of contents includes an Introduction and a section about The Author.
Where can I find more information about the Bakassi Peninsula conflict?
This monograph provides a critical analysis of the conflict, addressing the lack of focused research on the topic. It encourages further investigation into the historical and political complexities of the Bakassi Peninsula.
- Quote paper
- Olukoya Ogen (Author), 2012, Ethnicity, Economy and Historical Deconstruction in the Bakassi Borderland, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/190330
