Chapter 7 Basin Commissions, Dispute Settlement and the Maintenance of Peace and Security—The Case of the Lake Chad Basin Commission
In: A Bridge over Troubled WatersSearch for other papers by Laurence Boisson de Chazournes in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Komlan Sangbana in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Purchase instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):
Abstract
This chapter examines the multifaceted role of basin commissions. Departing from the observation that such commissions were originally established as a forum for dialogue and cooperation, the authors consider how this function has evolved over time to include the resolution of disputes around water resources and, more generally, the maintenance of international peace and security. This may take the form of a dedicated dispute settlement mechanism or of information sharing processes which may help diffuse a conflict. Moreover, the chapter seeks to understand how these new functions fit with existing international dispute settlement fora such as the International Court of Justice. Taking the Lake Chad Basin Commission as a case study, the authors go on to consider how a particular basin commission has dealt with the maintenance of peace and security in response to the threat of terrorism. In this context, the chapter focuses on the specific institutional developments made within that commission as well as the challenges it faced and continues to face.