So far, we have introduced the historical reasons behind the territorial disputes in Africa, and consequent issues related to natural resources, people, and forced migrations. The first points we made clear are the fact that these posts are a broad introduction and that there are particular elements related to each individual difference. Yet, we have learnt there are some constant issues: colonialism and imperialism, and the way in which powers outside Africa delineated the borders.
There were many “reasons” and explanations at the time (geography, social development, economy, conflict amongst them). Nowadays, some of these earlier explanations are still present. However, there is a clear message from academia, politicians, activists and many others that the “reasons” behind the partition were not that benign or have in mind the welfare of the inhabitants.
The previous posts show there is a connection between current forced migrations, poverty, bordering tension, the level of socio-economic development, political instability and the historical elements. It is not that pre-colonial Africa did not have problems. Indeed, there were migrations, fights, and struggle. What is different nowadays is the fact that parties alien to the continent have a central role in perpetuating and exacerbating these negative realities. Even under the umbrella of humanitarian aid, tensions between local and regional groups are fed from outside.
Different disputes include a myriad of specific elements. After introducing these key elements related to territorial disputes in Africa at large, the posts will focus the attention on some cases in particular to assess and evaluate their own components. Once we present the larger background and the specific cases the posts will conclude by exploring a way to solve them.
Posts about territorial disputes and Africa so far:
Jorge Emilio Núñez
Twitter: @London1701
15th October 2018
Dr Jorge's World 