Few regions present as complex and multidimensional a challenge as Africa in the intricate tapestry of global geopolitics. The legacy of colonialism, with its arbitrary boundaries and imposition of foreign governance structures, has left a continent grappling with persistent conflict and socio-economic disparities. As nations strive for peace and development, the question of navigating these historical impositions and fostering harmony becomes ever more pertinent.
Thoughts of redrawing any boundary along ethnic lines could unravel the entire continent. African intellectuals have yet to find a new boundary model that could foster a harmonious approach to socioeconomic development. Devolved governance is the closest the continent has come, yielding some positive results, but more potential exists. My experience in Belgium offers a template for future statehood. Sustainable peace does not stem from ethnicity but from inclusive governance systems.
Colonial powers imposed boundaries in Africa during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily through the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, where European nations divided Africa without considering the existing ethnic, cultural, and linguistic landscapes. These artificial boundaries served the interests of the colonial powers, facilitating administration and resource extraction rather than fostering unity or development among indigenous populations. The imposed borders often split ethnic groups across multiple countries, forcing disparate communities into single political entities and sowing seeds of conflict that have persisted throughout the continent’s post-colonial history.
For example, the division of the Somali people among Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia has been a significant source of conflict. Similarly, the borders separating Nigeria, Cameroon, and Chad encompass numerous ethnic groups, each with its distinct culture and history, leading to ongoing tensions and clashes. Nigeria’s amalgamation of various ethnic groups, such as the Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo, into one nation has led to a history of ethnic strife and civil war, notably the Biafran War of the late 1960s. The Democratic Republic of Congo, with over 250 ethnic groups, presents a complex web of conflicts fueled by ethnic rivalries and competition for resources.
Redefining African boundaries is challenging due to the entrenched nature of existing borders, which have shaped national identities and political landscapes for over a century. Consensus among affected nations is difficult due to historical grievances and competing interests. Redefining borders could lead to instability, conflict, and secessionist movements. Implementing new boundaries would require extensive negotiations, legal adjustments, and the relocation of populations, incurring significant costs.
Considering the rising conflicts in Africa, there is much to learn and borrow from Belgium. The country’s decentralized governance system, divided into three regions—Flemish, Walloon, and Brussels-Capital—promotes inclusivity and local autonomy. This system respects linguistic and cultural diversity, granting independence to regions, communities, and provinces. It also promotes administrative efficiency, reduces conflict, and encourages civic engagement, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among the population.
My conclusion is supported by interacting with my counterpart in Kenya, His Excellency Peter Maddens, Belgium’s Ambassador to Kenya and several other eastern African countries. He is a career diplomat who has served in many countries. He shared an incident while serving in New York that triggered the purpose of this article.
In his service, promotion then was based on years in employment. When his two colleagues received their promotion letters, but he did not, he called Brussels to inquire. The response was that the Flemish secretary was in his office on leave. According to Belgian labour practices, employee letters must be in the employees’ language. Although it may seem expensive, this practice has fostered peace and harmony since World War II. Belgium’s devolved system operates like countries brought together by geography and religion. Even within the region, the country is devolved into communes, smaller units of administration that bring government closer to the people.
In addition to Maddens’ story, I have closely studied Belgium’s decentralized system as a valuable lesson for African nations. Embracing a governance model that respects linguistic and cultural diversity could promote inclusivity and local autonomy in Africa. This system divides the country into regions, provinces, and communes, granting independence to different communities, fostering administrative efficiency and reducing conflict. Such a model encourages civic engagement and instills a sense of ownership and responsibility among the population.
Such transformative governance models, however, would not be feasible without the underlying principles of social democracy. The core tenet of social democracy emphasizes fairness, equity, and the well-being of all citizens, ensuring that governance structures are inclusive and representative of diverse communities. This approach creates an environment where every citizen feels valued and empowered, which is crucial for fostering unity in ethnically diverse regions.
In contrast, the capitalist agenda in Africa has led to some economic growth but also exacerbated social inequalities and conflict. The focus on profit maximization has often left the majority impoverished, fueling resentment and instability. Social democracy, a more inclusive approach, advocates for government intervention to ensure fair resource distribution, protect workers’ rights, and provide social safety nets. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among the population, leading to more cohesive and harmonious societies. In Africa, implementing social democratic values would involve investing in public services, promoting fair wages, and protecting workers’ rights. This approach can bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, fostering a more inclusive and just society.
Due to their arbitrary nature, Africa’s colonial boundaries have created enduring conflicts. A potential solution lies in adopting inclusive governance systems like Belgium’s decentralized model, which respects linguistic and cultural diversity. By embracing social democracy, African nations can promote equity, reduce conflicts, and foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among their citizens, leading to more cohesive and harmonious societies.
