A nation and its power will always be intertwined with the borders that define it. The question then becomes: Is it possible to draw a line in the sand without the process culminating in or prolonging violent conflict? In exploring frontier disputes, this committee will return to 1983 and consider the dispute of the Agacher Strip between the Republic of Mali and Burkina Faso. This strip of land represented a coveted asset to the growth of both these newly-independent nations. Beyond material concerns, territorial conflict is preconditioned by exploitative and culturally ignorant delimitations from colonialism. As is the case of former French colonies in the Sahel, the delimitations between these two former French colonies were not defined clearly during the French colonial period and ambiguity and instigation led to division and conflict.

In 1983 both countries agreed to have their dispute brought before the International Court of Justice, asking the court to define the border between both nations. To solve this, the court must carefully consider principles of international law, examine historical evidence and aim to equitably advise parties on a border agreement. The court must also aim to dissuade further violence between both nations and ensure permanent de-escalation. The goal of this court is not to arbitrarily redistribute land but to thoughtfully address the impacts of this region’s division with increased representation from regional actors. The goal is to answer a legal question presented by both parties through the court's capacity to provide advisory opinions. 

Delegates will play the role of either lawyers, witnesses or judges. The lawyers will either advocate on behalf of the People’s Republic of Burkina Faso (formerly known as Upper Volta) or the Republic of Mali. Witnesses will be experts or officials who will be called upon for their testimony to be presented in the form of direct and cross-examination to the court. Judges will either be permanent members of the court, or ad-hoc judges that are added for regional representation or gender inclusivity. All judges will remain impartial and will not be representing a particular country, they will solely provide their legal expertise. The rules of procedure of this committee will not be typical of a GA or crisis; they will include more moderated debate through witness testimonies, evidence presentation and some unmoderated aspects through argument creation, deliberations and resolution writing in the final verdict. The ICJ Dais is very excited to meet you and hear about your unique legal solutions at McMUN 2025!

The Dais