Journal of Contemporary Politics

Abstract

Colonisation often results in uncertainty over territories in many ways, including imposing new borders and disrupting the existing territorial structures. Post British colonial rule in East Africa, the Ilemi Triangle was formed due to the political actions in the region. With no official claims for the ownership of the region being made, tensions arose leaving uncertainty over the llemi territory, throughout its history and even in the present. The Ilemi Triangle is essentially a disputed territory situated in the Horn of Africa between Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan. It is a semi-arid region inhabited by nomadic pastoralist communities, and its perceived value is heightened by the potential presence of oil and other natural resources. Despite the absence of full-scale conflict, the Ilemi Triangle dispute remains a critical example of how colonial legacies continue to shape border politics in Africa, affecting regional cooperation, development, and stability in the Horn of Africa. The paper explores the efforts of diplomacy and mediation, including the role of the African Union (AU) and regional bodies, in resolving the conflict. Although the involved states reached an agreement to resolve the issue by peaceful means, no further action has been taken to advance the resolution. The paper also highlights the complex historical, socio-economic and political factors driving tensions, and how the territorial ambiguity has impacted the local pastoral communities.

Keywords: Colonisation, Diplomacy, Pastoral communities, Regional cooperation, Territorial dispute