The colonist-drawn borders through out the Swahili Coast led to
the present-day borders of Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, and Mozambique. Despite
the colonist’s “intent” with borders in the coastal strip, the countries have
continued to share an apparent culture, religion, and geography. These
conflicting borders have been combined with an enormous amount of corruption,
land raids, and inequality, leading to strong instability and an entrance for
radical Islamists. Add to that the recent increase in riots, “church burnings,
disappearances, and assassinations,” ends in the result is a rising in
secession movements.
Riots
have increased dramatically after the short disappearance of Farid Ahmed, the
leader of Uamsho. The Uamsho have demanded independence for Zanzibar, with
radical policy issues ranging from alcohol consumption to tourist dress codes.
Although they are denying any involvement in the church burnings, it’s clear
that they have succeeded driving political and ethnic tensions into support for
radical extremist. Another group
called the Mombasa Republic Council gained legal status this year and blames
Kenya’s central government for the poverty that has taken over coastal regions.
In addition, recent petroleum discoveries along the coast are adding to the
fire. With more and more secession groups gaining support, the future isn’t
looking bright.
The
biggest concern with the growth in these movements is the rising tension that
could lead to an ultimate succession. If there is enough support and attempts
become successful, the question will be upon the borders that historically
cannot be changed. With a crumbling economy in the region (unemployment is
about 30% and likely hire then reported), political reform is not out of the
picture. Judging from our class discussions and the history of governments in
Africa, it seems that coups are likely and instability could strike this region
greater than it has in the past.
http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21565641-muslim-extremism-spreads-down-east-africa%E2%80%99s-coastline-contagion-discontent
The haphazard devision of the African continent by European colonizers certainly did create some serious repercussions for the future outlooks of many of the present day countries in the region. This is a perfect example of the mess that was left behind when ethnic groups and communities that shared centuries of culture were suddenly divided. The result of this was the appearance of many secession groups who unfortunately could probably not do any better economically as tiny independent states than they did as part of the current countries. To address this problem the governments should try to unify the people under more national banners of progress instead of entrenching further ethnic devisions with the use of clientalism.
ReplyDeletethere isnt going to be any easy solution with the many ethnic in regional powers having a huge infuence and ability to destabilize the region. this is a very commmon in the continent where colonial borders have doomed many of the counties to decades of instability. other than carving up the countries, there will have to be an effort made by the government to undertake policies which would strengthen the central government and weaken the local powers. It is never going to be easy, and we simply have to look at ourselves as an example. it took us a massive civil war to finally come up with a solution where in the end the U.S. established a united nation with a central government.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that the colonial borders imposed by men in Europe who were only looking out for the interests of their own countries is detrimental to the Swahili coast. After traveling to Kenya, I was amazed at how different the parts of the country were. For example, if I drive from Boulder to California, most everything will be the same - middle class, white people living raising families, etc. In Kenya, living conditions and tribal affiliations change from village to village. The wealthy central region of Kenya is nothing like the Swahili coastal region to the east, which in turn is nothing like the villages to the west near Lake Victoria. Tribalism again plays a huge role in politics, and like Othman said above, there is no easy solution.
ReplyDeleteWhile the boarder drawings have definitely contributed to this conflict I think one of the most important issues Michael brought up in class was that while ethnicities will probably show the lines that conflict divides itself it doesn't cause the conflict itself.
ReplyDeleteThe problem here I think wouldn't be solved by Zanzibar seceding. The inherent economic recession and unequal distribution would still exist.
That being said I think your depressing forecast for the future is probably the most likely.