Hydro-geopolitics and conflicts among the ‘traditional states’ of the Nun River Basin, Ndop Plain (North-West Cameroon)

Abstract

The Nun River Basin (NRB) has a long history of cross-border conflicts, mostly connected to the impact of climate change on water sources and  resources. This article discusses the link between water politics and conflicts among the traditional communities in the NRB. Water scarcity and  floods have led to border conflicts among the “traditional states” at the drier edges and in the marshes of the NRB. Initial mappings to determine  geopolitical and water security contexts helped identify the areas, including firstly, Bamali, Bamunka, Babungo and Baba I, with maritime border  conflicts, and secondly the Babessi and Baba I floods, with access in the NRB. Based on our findings and analysis of existing sources and critical  interviews, the recognised and unrecognised links that bind water to the regional politics and relations among the fondoms are central to the  conflicts related to the control of water sources and the fertile rice cultivation marshes. The article concludes that although the “traditional states”  have been in mutual competition, where food needs accelerate in response to rising populations and economic interest, the traditional method of  conflict resolution through consensus has been most effective in achieving peace in the region.