Africas borders are artificial showing up in the failure of buharis border closure

A fascinating topic!

You're referring to the fact that Africa's borders were largely created by European colonial powers, which has led to artificial divisions and tensions between neighboring countries. This historical context is indeed relevant to understanding the challenges of border management and the recent failure of Nigeria's border closure policy under President Muhammadu Buhari.

Here are some key points to consider:

  1. Colonial legacy: Many African borders were drawn by European colonial powers without regard for ethnic, linguistic, or cultural ties between communities. This has led to artificial divisions and often conflicting interests between neighboring countries.
  2. Lack of natural borders: Unlike many other regions, Africa has few natural barriers to separate countries. This has made border control more challenging, as there are fewer physical obstacles to prevent the movement of people, goods, and services.
  3. Economic and social ties: Despite artificial borders, many African communities have strong economic and social ties across national boundaries. This has led to a significant amount of informal trade and migration, which can be difficult to regulate.
  4. Nigeria's border closure: In December 2019, President Buhari closed Nigeria's borders to all land and sea trade in an effort to curb smuggling, boost local production, and generate revenue. However, the closure has had unintended consequences, including:
    • Economic losses: The closure has disrupted trade and commerce, leading to shortages of essential goods and increased prices.
    • Humanitarian concerns: The closure has affected the movement of people, including refugees, asylum seekers, and travelers, leading to humanitarian concerns.
    • Regional tensions: The closure has strained relations with neighboring countries, particularly Benin, Niger, and Chad, which have accused Nigeria of violating regional trade agreements and causing economic hardship.
  5. Regional integration: The failure of Nigeria's border closure highlights the need for regional integration and cooperation in Africa. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to create a single market across the continent, which could help address some of the challenges posed by artificial borders.

In conclusion, the failure of Nigeria's border closure policy is a symptom of the broader challenges posed by artificial borders in Africa. To address these challenges, it is essential to promote regional integration, cooperation, and economic development, while also acknowledging the historical and cultural ties between communities across national boundaries.