What you need to know about the African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation/Niamey Convention!

The Niamey Convention is in line with the agreement that was established by the Agenda 2063 under the aspiration of a continent of seamless borders, and management of cross-border resources through dialogue. It complies with the actions highlighted in the road map, which consists of implementing joint cross-border investments to exploit shared natural resources and silence the guns by 2020, through enhancement dialogue-centered conflict prevention and resolution, to make peace a reality for all people. Signing the Convention is a way to concretely anchor the Agenda 2063 at national and local levels.

The 23rd ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, from 26th to 27th June 2014, adopted the African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation Convention known as the Niamey Convention.

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The parties agreed that the objectives pursued by the Convention were to be:

• The promotion of cross-border cooperation at local, sub regional and regional levels
• The facilitation of delimitation, demarcation and reaffirmation of interstate boundaries, in conformity with mechanisms agreed upon by the parties concerned.
• The facilitation of the peaceful resolution of border disputes, the promotion of peace and stability through conflict prevention and continental integration, and finally.
• The transformation of border areas into catalysts for growth, socioeconomic and political integration of the continent.

Why is it important for African Countries to sign the Niamey Convention?

The Niamey Convention is giving the legal framework for Member States to develop and implement cross-border cooperation initiatives. It is also a way of formalizing the cooperation between countries that other stakeholders can refer to and rely on when setting up “support mechanisms”. The Niamey Convention gives visibility to the issue of cross-border cooperation at the political level. It is a way of institutionalizing cross-border cooperation through a continentally accepted framework, e.g. by the creation of Joint Border Commissions.

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By signing and ratifying the Convention, States will benefit from the following:

1. Contribute to the development of Marginalized Zones: Border regions tend to be less economically developed compared to interior regions. The Convention allows for an economic growth at the border through agreements, employment and development.
2. Promoting Peace, Security and Stability. Promotions and reinforcements of peace, security and stability while insuring social and economic development. As well as supporting the effective application of community laws and regulations.
3. Finding agreements on Sharing Resources. Many natural resources straddle borders. This could be a cause of conflict in countries, which have not yet fully delimited and demarcated their borders. The Convention provides an inclusive approach towards shared natural resource management, that will help local communities and will increase growth of the country.
4. Contribute to the Economic Developments of Regions in terms of Trade and Cross-border Cooperation: Economic development in terms of trade and cross-border cooperation is a driver for the development of border zones and creating an environment conducive to the development of infrastructure, trade, transportation and other sectors. The adoption of economic cooperation agreements and the creation of trade perspectives contribute to improved regional policies and spatial development.
5. Develop and maintain Good neighborly Relations. Reinforcement and development of good neighborly relations among border communities and authorities from two or more Member States. As well as ratified agreements and arrangements necessary for this purpose.

THE AU CONVENTION ON CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION (NIAMEY CONVENTION) 7803-TREATY-0044: ENGLISH

NIAMEY CONVENTION 7803-TREATY-0044: FRENCH

NIAMEY CONVENTION 7803-TREATY-0044: ARABIC

THE AFRICAN UNION CONVENTION ON CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION (NIAMEY CONVENTION) 7803-TREATY-0044: PORTUGUESE

The African Union Border Programme (AUBP)

When it comes to peace and security, borders are a priority. The African Union Border Programme aims for structural prevention of conflicts. The objectives of the AUBP are to promote peace and stability through its four pillars: demarcation of borders, cross-border cooperation, capacity building and the mobilization of resources and partnerships.

The AUBP facilitates cross-border cooperation, in order to jointly address challenges related to common borders. There is a constant need to solve violent crises but the goal is to anticipate these conflicts as well as to prevent them. While boundaries could be a means to divide, the goal is to unite and to support one another. Cross-border cooperation is an instrument to promote development of shared border zones, with the aim to promote peace and stability.

Source: The African Union Website

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