Africa's international borders as potential sources of conflict and future threats to peace and security
Africa's poorly demarcated international borders are significant sources of conflict and instability, impacting peace and security across the continent. The report discusses the historical context, current challenges, and future implications of these borders.
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| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Report location: | source |
| Language: | English |
| Publisher: | Institute for Security Studies |
| Authors: | Francis Nguendi Ikome |
| Geographic focus: | Africa |
Methods
The research method involved a qualitative analysis of historical and contemporary border conflicts in Africa, examining case studies to illustrate the impact of poorly defined borders on peace and security. The report synthesizes existing literature and policy discussions, highlighting the perspectives of various stakeholders, including revisionists and anti-revisionists.
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Key Insights
The report examines the role of Africa's international borders as potential sources of conflict and threats to peace and security. It highlights the historical context of colonial borders that were poorly demarcated, leading to ongoing disputes and instability. The paper discusses the divide between revisionists, who advocate for border changes, and anti-revisionists, who support maintaining the status quo. Despite the African Union's commitment to the inviolability of these borders, the report argues that poorly defined boundaries contribute to governance-related intra-state conflicts that often spill over into neighboring countries. The analysis includes case studies from the Great Lakes region, the Horn of Africa, and West Africa, illustrating how porous borders facilitate the regionalization of conflict. The report emphasizes the need for proper border demarcation and management to enhance peace, security, and integration in Africa. It concludes that while the status quo has been maintained, there is a growing recognition of the necessity to address border issues to prevent future conflicts.
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Additional Viewpoints
Categories: 2010s time horizon | 2012 time horizon | Africa geographic scope | English publication language | border conflicts | border management | colonial legacy | crime | demographic pressures | governance issues | integration challenges | intra-state conflicts | policy recommendations | regional security | resource disputes