Boundaries are landmarks that have been demarcated by human beings to recognize their areas of residence and operation. Or generally, it can be defined as straight borderlines that separate communities and regions. These boundaries include rivers, trees, mountains, or constructed stone settings, among other features that are recognized by the communities as indeed cultural binderies.
During colonial boundary demarcation, communities living along such borders were not considered and instead divided into two separate communities in different countries. Moreover, along such edges, natural resources were not well-demarcated, leading interstate disagreement. For example, nearly a decade ago (2009), there was a standoff in East Africa between Kenya and Uganda over the migingo islands. Consequently, communities living along these borders defy the legalization of the colonial inherited boundaries. One of the contested borderlines is along Kenya Tanzania boundary described in the draft Anglo-German agreement of 1914 that divided Maasai into two countries, and that subsequently developed different pastoralism policies affecting the maa community. Okumu (2010). Besides, it did not consider the annual north-south wildlife movement.
Defective and improper management of borderline with disrespect of the boundaries by the locals leads to unnecessary arrest and prosecution of the locals who assume law leading on and off conflict along the frontier.
There are growing concerns about the reemergence of issues relating to borderline, and this calls for a thorough review of such frontiers. The study will bring on board factors that were ignored during the initial drawing of the boundaries without necessarily move the edge. For instance, in the case of Kenya Tanzania border in draft Anglo-German agreement of 1914, two factors need to be emphasized. First, to harmonize pastoralist policies in both countries and allow free movement of maa communities. Secondly, organize the boundary to enable natural annual north-south animal movement.
When policies have been agreed upon by the affected countries with the support of the affected community, it will be likely that the problem will be solved. Finally, all border problems all over the world always have its genesis, and its solution will only be possible by examining and mapping its primary cause.
Reference
- Okumu, W. (2010). Resources and border disputes in Eastern Africa. Journal of Eastern African Studies, 4(2), 279-297……..