Olutunde Orevba, Expert, Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spoke to Cameroon Tribune on the sidelines of the third session Cameroon-Nigeria Committee on Transborder Security that held in Yaounde.
What were the issues discussed by experts in the different sub-committees of the Third Cameroon-Nigeria Trans-border Security Committee meeting holding in Yaounde?
Discussions took place in four subcommittees which were assigned. On Wednesday, we worked with the Diplomacy and Justice Sub-committees, both of which I was a member. We have submitted draft agreements and Memoranda of Understanding to the Cameroonian side for each aspect of cross-border security discussed. These include smuggling, human trafficking, piracy and money laundering.
The Cameroonian side has committed to study and allow the appropriate agencies of the Cameroonian government to come up with the approvals, which in due time, will be communicated to the Nigerian side. Yesterday, February 19, 2015, the Cameroonian and Nigerian sides had to harmonise positions regarding the reports of the sub-committees which will form part of the general report and communiqué which will be issued today, February 20, 2015.
What was the spirit that prevailed between the delegations during the meetings?
It was an excellent atmosphere. We discussed like brothers to brothers. The relations were fraternal and this spirit of excellent relations between both countries is highly commendable. We are impressed because there are historical links between the two countries and we believe this friendship is going in the right direction.
One of the burning issues on the lips of most Cameroonians is Nigeria’s commitment to fight Boko Haram. Was this raised by the Nigerian side during the sub-committee meetings?
Yes, that commitment was really emphasised during the meetings. In fact, during the opening on Wednesday, February 18, 2015, the Head of the Nigerian Delegation, Major General Samuel John Babatunde, made the commitment. This is also a commitment by both countries to fight Boko Haram and ensure that it is totally eradicated.
