CHAPTER THREE: DEMOCRACY AND POLITICAL GOVERNANCE __________________________________________________________________________ 136. The CRM welcomes this laudable initiative given that, in many West African countries, religious conflicts are a source of great concern because of their magnitude and disastrous effects on peace and economic and social development. 137. Conflicts with neighbouring countries. While the CSAR noted the existence of border and cross-border disputes – one recent example being the dispute between Benin and Niger concerning the ownership of Lété Island (decided in favour of Niger by the International Court of Justice) – it does not name other countries, like Nigeria and Burkina Faso, which have similar disputes. 138. According to local government officials, some of the causes of these conflicts are:  the shortcomings in Benin’s diplomatic system and government’s failure to protect the integrity of the national territory;  lack of clarity and failure to update colonial texts, thereby questioning current border demarcations;  vibrant trading along and across borders, making it difficult to police them, and porous borders, uncontrolled immigration and settlement of people from neighbouring countries in the border areas;  Balkanisation and poor parceling of the continent by colonial powers;  fertile soils and land abounding in natural resources that are sources of envy by people in neighbouring countries; and  neglect of border populations by the state and the lack of administration or infrastructure in border regions, whose people are often marginalised. 139. Conflicts with neighbouring countries mainly stem from the differences in their political regimes. Meetings with stakeholders revealed that Benin’s dispute is mainly with Togo. Information gathered on the ground confirms the results of the survey on the origin of border conflicts. The CRM noted with satisfaction that the two countries have approached the problem on the basis of a policy of good neighbourliness, responsibility and, above all, a willingness to seek favourable solutions through dialogue and consultation. 140. Generally, following the documentary analysis, review of the CSAR and meetings with stakeholders, the ARP Panel was happy to note the climate of peace that has reigned in Benin for the last 17 years. The panel further welcomes the setting up of the framework for interfaith consultation in Benin. It encourages stakeholders to continue playing their roles of promoting peace and interfaith harmony, as well as the efforts to ensure a larger representation of religious denominations. 72