How far are we from an Africa without borders?

As African ministers gather this week to discuss border, one has to ponder whether the saying ‘good fences actually make good neighbors’ is the right way to go. Borders have been contentious issues when it comes to African affairs where nations have been pitted against each other over claims of where the border actually exists. Ironically, African nations soon after independence committed themselves to respecting the borders inherited from colonialism in order to avert conflicts witnessed in Europe and elsewhere over disputed territories. Instead of getting better relations of disputed territories, in some countries they have deteriorated to political antagonism and military clashes.

In addition, clashes between communities crossing borders in search of pastures and water, insurgents using borders as launch pads for insurgency or criminal elements using them for contraband and trafficking have added to the complexity of the issue in regards to borders. Calls continue to be made for tightening border security and greater collaborations across borders. these are calls that we need to heed if we want to see an end to conflicts in the continent. But one has to ask where is Africa in terms of creating an Africa without borders where Africans can move around the continent without restraints?

This question might raise eyebrows in certain capitals but it is a valid question. More than four decades have gone by with rhetoric of African cohesion but the continent has thus far lagged behind in terms of evolving into something like the European Union, with open borders for not only goods and investment but also people. Yes, granted that the risk of mass exodus into nations that provide a semblance of greener pastures might occur but we do see this phenomenon thriving with people going to extreme risks crossing deserts, rivers and go through all sorts of hardships to try a new lease on life.

We cannot simply wish away a problem that is already in existence but we can make moves where we can tackle it head on. The key is rapid economic development and integration within regions in Africa. Africa as a continent can be the center of the next economic wonder if African states start working with each other instead of working against each other. Africa, for all its poverty, has large reserves of minerals and natural wealth that can power an economic boom, by tapping on its educated elite it can charter its economic rebirth.
Contrary to stereotype images, Africans are hard workers. The problem is they are often the exploited party on the global trade. We cannot continue viewing immigrants as problems but as unique opportunities for growth. Immigrants are conduits to ideas and goods. The west’s rise to prominence is attributed to the free movement of people and trade that allowed them to advance in technology, governance, laws and other facets of state building. Likewise, Africa should take lessons from their experience and be what it is supposed to be- a melting pot of unique cultures, religions, traditions and history.

As the debate for planting the roots for the United states of Africa gathers critical mass, Africa needs to lay the foundation for African cohesion. This can occur only if we start working towards a borderless Africa at least at a regional level. So far regional blocs and think tanks have come up with scenarios and projection on how things could go if African nations harmonize regulations, taxes, trade relations but the results on the ground have so far turned out lackluster. This is because continental integration continues to take a back seat to national ambitions. Continental cohesion is inevitable; African countries have no choice to move towards cohesion or suffer the consequence of isolation. By being proactive rather than reactive towards imminent change, Africa can best capitalize on this unique opportunity to undo the wrongs made by previous regimes and usher in a new era of Africanism. It is high time that we stopped riding the coat tails of the gains we made in the 1960s, 80s, and 90s and start creating our own solutions.

June 8, 2007