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This case study in the Faces of Migration project, presents the main findings of research conducted on the nexus between conflict, forced migration, and access to land, following the dramatic impact of Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria and on the border with Cameroon. The nexus is particularly complex and involves different goals of sustainable development: it links Goal 16 on conflict and peace, to Goal 10 on the need to implement safe and regular channels for migration, and therefore for refugees, to Goal 2 on food security and Goal 1 on the fight against poverty. Dealing with the tragedies caused by terrorism requires an integrated approach between the different objectives, placing at the center the rights of both refugees and host communities, distributing resources equitably, while it is necessary to curb the violence and trafficking.

It is clear from the case analysis in Cameroon how the phenomenon of migration, of the proper and safe management of migration flows, impacts and is in turn conditioned by other key factors identified in the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Therefore, a coherent approach to migration, land access and security policies is the only way to move towards the implementation of the Agenda and the achievement of its goals.

The paper is part of the broader study “The Masters of the Earth: Earth Grabbing 2020: Consequences on Human Rights, Environment and Migration”, and is part of the Faces of Migration project, co-funded by the European Union.