REQUEST FOR UPDATE ON BAKASSIA BORDER DISPUTE

SECRET,NOFORN S E C R E T ABUJA 001971 SIPDIS NOFORN E.O. 12958: DECL 8/03/11 TAGS: PREL, MARR, NI, CM SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR UPDATE ON BAKASSIA BORDER DISPUTE PLEASE PASS TO AMBASSADOR JETER AND MAJOR OLIVER CASS REF: (A)TD-314/27410-01 (B)TD-314/26743-01 Classified by AF Deputy Assistant Secretary Robert Perry for reasons 1.5 (b), (c) and (d) 1. (C) Department is concerned by possible negative developments in the Bakassi Peninusla and requests addressee posts provide an update on the status of dispute between Cameroon and Nigeria. 2. (S/NF) Recent press reports refer to a June skirmish between Cameroonian and Nigerian military along the disputed boundary. Sensitive reporting (reftels) recounts Nigerian concerns about a mobilization of forces on the Cameroonian side and refers to possible Nigerian plans to launch a military operation into Cameroonian territory. Department seeks Posts' insight as to whether there is an increased possibility for renewed violence or simply a continuation of the small-scale incidents that have occurred over the past two years. POWELL UNQUOTE JETER