Borders in Africa: Conflictual geopolitics on multiple scales

Abstract

Against a backdrop of geopolitical upheaval and disruption in Africa, this article aims to demonstrate, through a multi-scale analysis, how the central issue of borders on the African continent generates tensions and conflicts between states. Beyond their spatial perception as territorial demarcation lines, the dynamics of borders raise more complex dimensions: political, socio-economic and security. They also raise the urgent need to rethink the notion of these dividing lines, not as spaces of closure and partition, but rather as epicenters of openness, connectivity and the movement of goods and people. It is at this level of managing the conflictual nature of African borders, combining economic development and security, that the geopolitical issues and challenges that must be addressed are truly located. This is also an essential condition for Africa to be able to fully integrate into the global system and escape the trap of geopolitical rivalries between the major powers, positioning itself as a decisive player in an increasingly multipolar world order.