Abstract
This article deals with the relationship between peaceful coexistence and sustainable development. This is against the backdrop of the conflicts that arose as a result of the balkanization of Africa after the Berlin conference, which was done without due regard to traditional boundaries and consanguinity. Political independence provides a window of self-awareness and movements to counter the challenges of the partitioning. These movements manifest in border clashes and betrayals, rather than peace and development. Adopting the Border theory, we theorize that balkanization creates new borders which results in border competition for scarce economic resources or political opportunities that were not there before the partitioning. Land, water and minerals that were hitherto collectively owned before the balkanization became new sources of conflict along the new boundaries. Discourse analysis is the analytical method adopted for the study. We argue that peaceful co-existence rather than movements aimed at correcting the partitioning is a panacea for sustainable development along the boundaries. Specifically peaceful co-existence enhances sustainable development along the boundary corridor. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p364
Highlights
Nigeria was a British colony and shared boundaries with French colonies
It was not surprising that after political independence, when Africans took over the reins of power, the various communities which were suffering under the weight of colonial abuse, consequent upon their “exile” resulting from their forceful separation and excision from their Kiths and Kins, rose up in gallant defense of their “territorial” integrity and “sovereignty”
At the peak of Nigeria’s economic activities leading to unprecedented congestions in the Nigerian ports, Cotonou became a ready alternative and many imports destined to Nigeria found their way through Cotonou port, from where they were transported by land to other parts of Nigeria through “friendly” Yoruba territories
Summary
Nigeria was a British colony and shared boundaries with French colonies. the manner in which the colonial boundaries were drawn compounded the problems of the colonies. New boundaries were created and scarce resources became competition objects It was not, surprising that after political independence, when Africans took over the reins of power, the various communities which were suffering under the weight of colonial abuse, consequent upon their “exile” resulting from their forceful separation and excision from their Kiths and Kins, rose up in gallant defense of their “territorial” integrity and “sovereignty”. They demanded to be re-integrated with their Kiths and kins wherever they might be in the post independent African countries.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
