These imaginary lines won't stop bringing problems!
Soon we might even witness a 3rd "world war".
Look at the Russia-Ukwaine war and the tension between China and the USA because of Taiwan.
Border problems everywhere! Country against a country, tribe against tribe and even clan against clan.
In Africa, the situation is not any better, the youngest nation in the world, South Sudan, was formed only 12 years ago after breaking away from Sudan.
Comoros is protesting to reclaim Mayotte, Somaliland, and Western Sahara want their independence, and not to forget the many departments of Western countries on African soil.
So what does it take to be considered an independent country?
The answer is very political, and you will get varying answers depending on who you ask.
How I wish we would instead focus on having a borderless Africa.
Why should we abide by borders we didn't create? It is just dumb to separate relatives with barbed wires and high walls.
I had tackled this issue in a previous newsletter, the plan to kill Visa, for those who missed it.
That said, let\'s snap back to reality. Africa has borders, and borderlines are rife.
Where are these borders, enclaves and overseas departments in contention?
Somaliland
Somaliland is an unrecognized independent state that broke away from Somalia in 1991.
It has a fully functional government and constitution, with its capital at Hargesia.
But the story of Somaliland dates back to the 1800s when the British took over the northern parts of the Horn of Africa, and the Italians took over the south (British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland).
In 1960, Somalilanders gained their independence as the state of Somaliland before merging five days later with the just independent south to form the Republic of Somalia.
The marriage blossomed until 1969 when Said Barre took over government through a Coup d\'état, following the assassination of the then president Abdirashid Shermarke.
They weren't impressed with Barre's reign and sought a divorce, which they finally achieved in 1991 after Barre's ousting.
However, Somalia still lays claim to the land.
Fun Fact
In Morocco, The Symbol Of Love Is The Liver. Considering that a healthy liver contributes to overall wellness, it is only logical to view it as the ultimate representation of affection.
Mayotte
Comosos is in a territorial dispute with France over the island of Mayotte, one of the four islands, including Grand Comore, Anjoan and, Mohéli that form the Comoros Archipelago.
In the 2022 UN general assembly, the Comoroan president Azali Assoumani reiterated that Mayotte is part of Comoros, just as he had done previously, on many occasions.
Melilla and Ceuta
The towns of Ceuta and Melilla are very contentious! Spain and Morocco lay claim to the regions, with each side loaded with gazillion reasons why it belongs to them.
Biased take: Having an enclave in your country doesn't look good, and Morocco has every right to claim them.
It is like a weed. It destruct and spreads if left unchecked.
Anyway, better a weed that proudly bares its thorns than one with attractive but poisonous flowers.
Language of the Week
Comorian is a Bantu language and one of the official languages spoken in the Comoros archipelago.
The language has four mutually intelligible dialects; Shinzzuani, Shimaore, Shimwali and Shingazidjsa.
Language Learning Tips
Surround yourself with the language as much as possible. Listen to music, watch movies, read books, and try to speak to native speakers.
It will help you develop a more intuitive understanding of the language by learning more naturally.
Special Mentions
📌 The Western Sahara Saga Explained
📌 How many words do I need to know to be a native speaker
📌 Mukite Son of Nameme (The great Bukusu Drummer)
RIDDLE OF THE WEEK ðŸ§
The two of us cross the wilderness without talking to each other. Who are we?
The elephant does not limp when walking on thorns- Amharic.
Till next time.
Mike.
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