Ever wonder why Africa’s borders appear so strange?

Understanding Africa’s Unique Borders: A Legacy of Colonialism

Africa, the continent with the most countries—54 in total—boasts some of the most fascinating and unusual borders in the world. Unlike many other continents, where borders often follow natural landscapes or historical precedents, Africa’s borders are often strikingly straight or irregularly jagged, cutting through mountains, rivers, and even communities. This peculiar border landscape is a direct result of the 1884-1885 Berlin Conference, where European powers divided the continent among themselves without consulting any African nations. This visual explainer delves into the stories behind some of Africa’s most intriguing borders, revealing the historical, political, and cultural forces that shaped them.

The Unclaimed Land: Bir Tawil and the Border Dispute Between Egypt and Sudan

In the northeastern part of Africa lies a small, uninhabited, and arid region known as Bir Tawil, covering approximately 2,000 square kilometers. Despite its size, this area is at the center of a long-standing border dispute between Egypt and Sudan. The origins of this conflict trace back to 1899, when Britain, then the colonial power controlling both territories, drew a straight-line border along the 22nd parallel to separate Egypt and Sudan. However, in 1902, Britain adjusted the border, assigning the resource-rich Hala’ib Triangle to Sudan and Bir Tawil to Egypt for administrative and geopolitical reasons. Decades later, when both countries gained independence, the dispute resurfaced. Egypt claims the border should follow the 1899 agreement, while Sudan insists on the 1902 demarcation. Bir Tawil remains unclaimed by either country because claiming it would require relinquishing claims to the Hala’ib Triangle, which Egypt has controlled since 2000. This unresolved dispute is a stark reminder of how colonial-era decisions continue to shape modern-day conflicts.

The Narrow Strip of The Gambia: A Colonial Legacy

As one travels along Africa’s western coast, The Gambia stands out as a narrow strip of land hugging the Gambia River, almost entirely surrounded by Senegal. This small country, the smallest in mainland Africa, is home to about three million people and has a history deeply intertwined with colonialism. First explored by the Portuguese in the 15th century, The Gambia later became a key hub in the transatlantic slave trade. It remained under British control from 1821 until its independence in 1965. The country’s unique borders were shaped by the colonial rivalry between Britain and France. In 1889, the two powers formally agreed on The Gambia’s borders, with British control extending about 16 kilometers on either side of the river, reaching its furthest navigable point at Yarbutenda. A popular legend suggests that British forces fired cannonballs from their ships to determine the country’s width, but while this claim remains unverified, historical records show that an Anglo-French commission attempted to refine the borders in 1891, only to face resistance from local rulers. Ultimately, The Gambia’s borders were dictated by colonial interests and military power, leaving it as a narrow enclave within Senegal.

Cabinda: Angola’s Separated Exclave

Moving south along Africa’s western coast, one encounters Cabinda, a small section of Angola separated from the rest of the country by a narrow strip of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Cabinda’s unique status as an exclave is rooted in colonial history. During the Berlin Conference, Cabinda was recognized as a Portuguese possession, separate from Angola, though both were under Portuguese rule. Over time, Portugal administratively merged Cabinda with Angola, but the region remained geographically and culturally distinct. When Portugal withdrew from its African colonies in 1975, the Alvor Agreement, signed with Angola’s main liberation groups, excluded Cabindan representation, and Cabinda was officially merged with Angola. This decision was largely driven by Angola’s desire to control Cabinda’s valuable offshore oil reserves. However, this move sparked resistance from the Cabindan independence movement, particularly the Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda, which continues to advocate for independence. Cabinda’s story highlights the enduring consequences of colonial decisions and the complexities of post-colonial nation-building.

Namibia’s Caprivi Strip: A Failed Colonial Ambition

In Southern Africa, Namibia’s narrow panhandle, known as the Caprivi Strip, juts out toward the east. This unusual border is a remnant of colonial-era ambitions. Until the early 20th century, Germany controlled both German South West Africa (now Namibia) and German East Africa (now Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi), while Britain controlled the surrounding territories, including modern-day Botswana and Zambia. Germany sought a direct trade route to link its territories and gain access to the Zambezi River, which it hoped would provide a shortcut to the Indian Ocean. In 1890, Germany and Britain signed a treaty in which Germany ceded control of Zanzibar in exchange for Heligoland, a North Sea island, and control of the Caprivi Strip. However, Germany’s plan failed because no one had accounted for Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, which made the Zambezi River impassable for trade. This forgotten strip of land remains a curious relic of colonial-era imperialism.

Lesotho: A Kingdom Surrounded

Nestled in the mountains of Southern Africa is Lesotho, a small, landlocked country entirely surrounded by South Africa. Lesotho’s unique position is the result of a combination of strategic diplomacy and colonial intervention. In the 19th century, the Basotho people, led by King Moshoeshoe I, established their stronghold in the highlands, using the mountains as a natural defense against invaders like the Zulu and Boer settlers. To resist Boer expansion, Moshoeshoe sought British protection in 1868, making Basutoland (as it was then known) a British protectorate. Attempts to incorporate it into the Colony of Cape of Good Hope failed due to Basotho resistance, and in 1884, Britain declared it a crown colony. When the Union of South Africa was formed in 1910, Basutoland remained under British rule, allowing it to avoid South Africa’s apartheid policies. Lesotho gained independence in 1966, maintaining its territorial integrity and cultural identity despite being surrounded by a much larger neighbor.

Guinea and Congo: The Curious Case of Shared Names

Two of Africa’s most intriguing naming quirks are the multiple countries named Guinea and the two Congos. The name “Guinea” appears in three West African countries: Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea. These names originated from the Portuguese word Guine, which referred to the region along the West African coast. European colonizers applied the name “Guinea” to their respective territories, and it persisted even after independence. Guinea and Guinea-Bissau distinguished themselves by adding their capital city and geographical location to their names, while Equatorial Guinea emphasized its proximity to the equator. Similarly, the two Congos—Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of the Congo—owe their names to the Congo River and the historical Kingdom of Kongo. The duplication arose from colonial powers naming their territories without considering the shared cultural and geographical heritage of the region.

Conclusion: The Enduring Impact of Africa’s Borders

Africa’s borders, shaped by colonialism and historical circumstance, tell a complex story of power, identity, and resilience. From the unclaimed land of Bir Tawil to the narrow strip of The Gambia, and from the separated exclave of Cabinda to the unique naming of Guinea and Congo, these examples illustrate how the continent’s borders reflect its history and continue to influence its present. As Africa moves forward, the legacy of these artificial borders serves as a reminder of the challenges and opportunities that arise when external forces shape the destiny of a continent and its people.