Context
The legacy of Africa’s colonial history for many states includes numerous post-independence national boundaries that are unclear and sometimes violently disputed. Only a third of the borders in sub-Saharan Africa are clearly delimited and demarcated. The African Union (AU) considers ill-defined borders as potential sources of conflict, especially when natural resources are discovered in the border regions. Such borders are a threat to peace and security, and they hinder regional integration, economic growth and development. In 2007, the AU launched the African Union Border Programme (AUBP) as a direct response to these risks.
Objective
Effective and sustainable border governance prevents conflicts between African states and fosters integration through peaceful, open and prosperous borders (AUBP vision).
Approach
On behalf of the German Federal Foreign Office, GIZ is assisting with the implementation of the AU Border Programme across the continent, and at regional, national and local levels.
• Support to AU Member States for border governance: The project is currently supporting 25 countries with the delimitation, demarcation and management of their borders. It also assists its partner countries in implementing and expanding cross-border cooperation initiatives, in drafting local conventions and development plans as well as the elaboration on national border governance strategies. Other aspects of this support include conflict prevention and resolution as well as an integrated approach to border governance.
• Cooperation with regional economic communities: The project is facilitating a regional network of border experts, which underpins the creation of a platform for collaboration between the AU Commission and Africa’s various regional economic communities. The main aim here is to harmonise policies and establish joint guidelines on integrated border governance. Moreover, the project supports the regional communities in playing an active role in the resolution of boundary disputes.
• Support for the AUBP unit and other border-related entities within the AU Commission: The project advises the AUBP unit on planning and implementing strategies, and on organisational development. As well as contributing at the policy level, GIZ is supporting the development of the AU Border Information System (AUBIS). Moreover, the project promotes cooperation and exchange with African universities and training institutes to consolidate sustainable border management capacities in various disciplines. The project emphasises conflict-sensitive and gender-responsive approaches in all areas of its work.