THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE AND THE ADMINISTRATIONOFCONFLICT RESOLUTION: A CASE STUDY OF THE BAKASSI PENINSULADISPUTEBETWEEN NIGERIA AND CAMEROON

AGU, EMELDA CHIDIMMA (2026) THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE AND THE ADMINISTRATIONOFCONFLICT RESOLUTION: A CASE STUDY OF THE BAKASSI PENINSULADISPUTEBETWEEN NIGERIA AND CAMEROON. Other thesis, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.

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Abstract

This study examined the role of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) intheadministration of conflict resolution, using the Bakassi Peninsula dispute betweenNigeria and Cameroon as a case study. Specifically, the study assessedthehumanitarian and socio-economic impacts of the dispute and its resolutiononthepeople of Bakassi and drew lessons and policy recommendations for the effectiveimplementation of international judicial decisions in Africa. The study adoptedaqualitative research design and employed the case study approach. Datawerecollected through documentary analysis from secondary sources, includingInternational Court of Justice judgments, United Nations reports, governmentpublications, books, journal articles, and other relevant scholarly materials. Thedatawere analysed qualitatively through content and thematic analysis. Thefindingsrevealed that although the ICJ judgment provided a peaceful legal settlement totheterritorial dispute, its implementation presented political, diplomatic, andhumanitarian challenges. The transfer of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroonhadsignificant socio-economic consequences for many residents, includingdisplacement, livelihood disruption, citizenship concerns, and difficulties associatedwith resettlement. The study further found that the successful implementationof thejudgment was made possible through diplomatic cooperation between NigeriaandCameroon, supported by the mediation and supervision of the United Nationsunderthe Green Tree Agreement. The study concludes that while international judicial institutions such as the ICJ remain important mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of interstate disputes, the effectiveness of their decisions depends largely on political commitment, international cooperation, and adequate protection of affected populations. The study recommends stronger implementation mechanisms for international judicial decisions, enhanced humanitarian support for affected communities, greater regional cooperation, and increased adherence to international law in the resolution of interstate disputes.

Item Type:	Thesis (Other)
Subjects:	J Political Science > JZ International relations
Divisions:	Faculty of Management and Social Sciences
Depositing User:	Uchenna Eneogwe
Date Deposited:	27 Jul 2026 10:00
Last Modified:	27 Jul 2026 10:00
URI:	http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/6024

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