Emerging Border Tensions in Sub-Saharan Africa, a Case Study of Dadi/Bodam in Cameroon and Danare in Nigeria

Authors

  • Babiem Mbia Ekolok Department of International Relations and Conflict Resolution, University of Buea (UB), Buea, Cameroon
  • Ta-Mbi Nkongho (P) Department of International Relations and Conflict Resolution, University of Buea (UB), Buea, Cameroon
  • Abangma James Arrey (P) Department of International Relations and Conflict Resolution, University of Buea (UB), Buea, Cameroon

Keywords:

Border Tensions, Dadi/Bodam, Danare, Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

The persistence of Interstate border disputes in the Word and Africa has been a significant challenge to peace and stability. This study, seeks to examine the root causes of the border dispute between Dadi/Bodam in Cameroon and Danare in Nigeria. In achieving this the study employed a mixed research method, with a cross-sectional and descriptive survey design. The findings of this study revealed that, Arbitrary Borders created by colonial powers, external debt burden, heterogeneous composition of these communities, resource competition, population movements, population growth, territorial expansion and corruption of border officials are the major causes of the border dispute between these communities. Despite the measures employed by both governments, the study revealed a continues relapse of the dispute between the communities in Cameroon and Nigeria. The study recommends that a comprehensive border mapping and seasonal considerations, strong and effective occupation of the border area, and infrastructural development are crucial in preventing future dispute.

References

1. Adebayo, A. (2001). Africa's Challenge with Borders. In J. Akindès (Ed.), Conflict and Conflict Resolution in Africa (pp. 56-58). Uppsala: Nordiska Afrikainstitutet.

2. Adedeji, A. (1999). Comprehending and Mastering African Conflicts: The Search for Sustainable Peace and Good Government. London: Zed Books.

3. Ake, C. (1985). Why is Africa not developing? West Africa, 1212-1214.

4. Albert, E. (1989). The Politics of Problem Solving in Postcolonial Africa. In I. William Zartman (Ed.), Ripe for Resolution: Conflict and Intervention in Africa (pp. 672). New York: Oxford University Press.

5. Alexander, J., & Hagen, R. (2012). Boundaries and Borderlands: An Introduction. In J. Alexander, & R. Hagen (Eds.), Boundaries and Borderlands (pp. 21-22). New York: Routledge.

6. Anene, J. C. (1970). The International Boundaries of Nigeria, 1885-1960: The Framework of an Emergent African Nation. London: Longman.

7. Azevedo, M. (2019). Africana Studies: A Survey of Africa and the African Diaspora. Durham: Carolina Academic Press.

8. Bonchuk, M. O. (1997). “The Boki People and the Nigeria-Cameroon Border Dispute”. Journal of African Studies, 6(1), 43.

9. Campbell, E., & others. (2017). “Population Growth and its Impact on Resources, Environment, and Socio-Political Domains”. Journal of Population Studies, 43(1), 1224.

10. Cilliers, J. (2005). “Towards a Conceptual Framework for Understanding Interstate Conflict in Africa”. African Security Review, 14(2), 56-68.

11. Clapham, C. (1996). Boundary and Territory in the Horn of Africa. In P. Nugent & A. I. Asiwaju (Eds.), African Boundaries: Barriers, Conduits and Opportunities (pp. 237-241). London: Pinter.

12. Cohen, N. (1995). “International Court of Justice: The Bakassi Peninsula Case”. Journal of International Law, 28(1), 11-14.

13. Collier, P., & Hoeffler, A. (1998). On Economic Causes of Civil War. Oxford Economic Papers, 50(4), 563-573.

14. Debraj, R., & Esteban, J. (2017). “Conflict and Development”. Journal of Economic Growth, 22(1), 1-27.

15. Durkheim, E. (1998). The Division of Labor in Society. New York: Free Press.

16. Fearon, J. D., & Laitin, D. D. (2003). “Ethnicity, Insurgency, and Civil War”. American Political Science Review, 97(1), 73-90.

17. Francis, M. (2004). “The Nigeria-Cameroon Border Dispute and the International Court of Justice”. Journal of African Law, 48(2), 207.

18. Guo Y., & Yang, Y. (2003). “Border Disputes and Regional Stability in Africa.” African Studies Quarterly, 7(1).

19. Herbst, J. (1989). The Creation and Maintenance of National Boundaries in Africa. In I. William Zartman (Ed.), Ripe for Resolution: Conflict and Intervention in Africa (pp. 674). New York: Oxford University Press.

20. Herbst, J. (2019). States and Power in Africa: Comparative Lessons in Authority and Control. Princeton: Princeton University Press.

21. Hsu, M., Howitt, H., & Miller, F. (2015). “Border Disputes in Africa: Causes, Consequences, and Resolution”. African Studies Quarterly, 15(2), 87.

22. Jennings, P. (1996). “The Impact of Colonialism on African Boundaries”. Journal of African History, 37(2), 1779-1822.

23. Kibret, C. J. (2008). Peace and Security in the Horn of Africa: Challenges and Opportunities. Addis Ababa: University for Peace.

24. Kifleyesus, A. (2002). “Ethnic Politics and Conflict in Eritrea”. Journal of African Studies, 31(1).

25. Metz, S., & Chapin, M. (1988). Boundaries and Boundary Disputes in Africa. In S. Metz (Ed.), Avoiding War: Varieties of Responses to Crises in the Third World (pp. 16). Boulder: Westview Press.

26. Mfonobong, I. (2021). “Sustainable Peace in Africa: An Illusion”? Journal of Peace Studies, 24(1), 14.

27. Okumu, W. (2010). “Resources and Border Disputes in Eastern Africa”. Journal of Eastern African Studies, 4(2), 280.

28. Onor, S. O. (1994). The Ejagham in the Cross River Valley of Nigeria and Cameroon: A Historical and Anthropological Study. Ibadan: Kraft Books Limited.

29. Rwigema, P. C. (2020). “Border Disputes and Regional Integration in the East African Community”. Journal of Borderlands Studies, 35(1), 4.

30. Sone, P. (2017). “”The Legacy of Colonialism on African Borders. Journal of African Studies, 46(2), 325-339.

31. Yoon, C. H. (2014). “African Border Disputes: Causes, Consequences, and Resolution”. African Studies Review, 57(2), 75-89.

32. Lual, A. (2014). “The Sudan-South Sudan Border Dispute: A Case Study”. Journal of Borderlands Studies, 29(1), 56.

Downloads

Published

2025-07-28

How to Cite

Babiem Mbia Ekolok, Ta-Mbi Nkongho (P), & Abangma James Arrey (P). (2025). Emerging Border Tensions in Sub-Saharan Africa, a Case Study of Dadi/Bodam in Cameroon and Danare in Nigeria. American Journal of Political Science and Leadership Studies, 2(7), 109–121. Retrieved from https://semantjournals.org/index.php/AJPSLS/article/view/2253