NJIS Nigerian Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies 39 Vol. 3. 49 J. WOMEN AND NIGERIAIEQUATORIAL GUINEA 1RANS BORDER CO-OPERATION; CHALLENGES FOR TIlE NJ.N.gTIES By A. O. I. Gabriel* INTRODUCTION The Spanish-speaking independent republic of Equatorial Guinea which consists of two provinces, the island of Bioko (Fernando Po) and mainland Rio Muni (Mbini) has long-standing net-works of informal relations with Nigeria across the boundary. These complex natural, cultural, human and economic relationships underscore the importance of co-operation between the two countries. Also worthy of note is the over-lapping exclusive economic zone of both countries maritime borders. Consequently, both countries must strive to maintain very cordial relations even in modern times and particularly with threats to their security from better developed countries. It is the search for a more stable relationship in the spirit of being ones brother's/sister's keeper that this paper seeks to proffer the roles women from both countries can play for a meaningful co-existence. The questfor a meaningful stable relationship has become imperative given the fact that there have been periods of sour relations in 1970 and 1975 during the regime of President Francisco Macias Nguema and in 1984/85 even up to 1988 with President Teodoro Obiang Ngueama Mbasogo in power, Nigerian governments (civilian and military) have over these periods made efforts at restoring improved intergroup relations between both countries. The recent dangerous threat to Nigeria/Equatorial Guinea relations occasioned by the presence of Apartheid South Africa in Equatorial Guinea from 1985 to 1988 has to a large extent triggered off this search for a more stable trans-border co-operation between both countries. However, Nigeria's post indepenccncc foreign economic policy with its multilateral direction, and the increasing emphasis on inter-African relations are also important factors. DEMOGRAPHY, WOMEN AND NlGERIAlEQUATORIAL GUlNEA RELATIONS BEFORE 1942 Nigcria/Equatorial Guinea relations particularly with the island of Bioko (Fernando Po) has been primarily economic and strategic, a situation which according Jide Osuntokun, (1978)J continued throughout most of the colonial era of the history of these two countries. Economic relations were specifically between Bioko and Calabar, Bonny, New Calabar (Kalahari), Brass; all in present day Cross River and Rivers States of Nigeria. Although the presence of Nigerians in Bioko is dated from 1827, it is likely '" Lecturer, Institute of Foundation Studies, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. to of ile er un er tc, .se tat .es nd he ell ch da he ue .nt is at 91 :ld mr ith 13t art lat lue .he of .he nd .he f5 . nal &7.