Role of Shared Resource Management in Enhancing Inter-state Cooperation in the Horn of Africa: a Case of Ilemi Triangle (2011-2016)

Abstract

The management of shared natural resources by the Horn of Africa states (HOA), exerts both positive and negative effects on inter-state relations in the region. On one hand, inability to collaboratively manage these resources for the common good of all states risks a trigger of interstate conflict in the region. Conversely, effective and collaborative management of shared natural resources can provide good avenues for states to cement their relations for their common good. In line with each state‟s national interests, huge amounts of capital are spent to develop and protect the resources in the Horn of Africa. However, due to lack of clearly defined policies and inadequate management strategies, these resources have been mismanaged leading to; conflict, food shortages and environmental problems. The search for aid constantly puts the states in a dilemma, over how to benefit from the resources, creating mistrust among the nations. As a result, numerous effects of these shared resources emerge, affecting the interstate relations what could be identified as the „tragedy of the commons‟. The general objective guiding this study, is examining the role of shared resources in enhancing co-operation in the Horn of Africa. Specific objectives include: examining the extent to which collaborative management of shared natural resources enhances inter-state relations in the Horn of Africa, investigating strategies used by states in the Horn of Africa in addressing the negative effects that arise from shared resources, evaluating the impediments to collaborative management of shared resources in the Horn of Africa, examining the competing interests in Ilemi Triangle and state cooperation in the Horn of Africa and to examine how the economic potential of Ilemi Triangle will result to economic transformation of the Horn of Africa region. This research study adopted the Neoliberal Institutionalism Theory which articulates cooperation under anarchy in international relations. The study employed purposive sampling approach. From the findings obtained, it is clear from the study that Ilemi Triangle affects the geopolitics of the HOA states. Evidently, security, humanitarian and social programmes were ranked highest in the prioritization of policies in a move to consolidate Kenya‟s effective control over the Ilemi Triangle. This was attributed to the fact that, good neighbourliness would help in settling border issues with Ethiopia and South Sudan. The study found that, Kenya has come up with a raft of measures such as; occupation of the Ilemi Triangle by Kenyan security forces, including the administration of the area. The area has a Member of Parliament (MP) and border immigration personnel. Setting up of a police base and an airstrip at Lokichoggio and arming of the Turkana people were some of the consolidating strategies that Kenya has employed to lay claim and control of the Ilemi Triangle. The Government of Kenya (GoK), held bilateral discussions with the concerned parties in an effort to bring to an end the ongoing dispute. So far, the government had prioritized the maintenance of good relations with Ethiopia and South Sudan over the resolution of outstanding border issues. Further, this study shows that the planned infrastructural development will improve peaceful coexistence and open the economic potential of the area by fostering competition, establishing and ensuring continuity of markets. It will also create job opportunities, raise gains and prosper development. This study concludes that, the Ilemi Triangle dispute has never been considered as an important geographical territory. The government of Kenya (GoK), held bilateral discussions with the concerned parties in an effort to bring to resolve the ongoing dispute. The government has prioritized the xvii maintenance of good relations with Ethiopia and South Sudan over the resolution of outstanding border issues. Further this study shows that, the planned infrastructural development will improve peaceful coexistence and will open the economic potential of the area by fostering competition and establishing and ensuring continuity of markets. In addition, it creates job opportunities, raises gains and prospers development. Furthermore, the study found out that the The Ilemi Triangle remains contested by the three countries and this appears to contribute largely to thawing relations between Kenya and South Sudan. Further, the study found out that the role of shared natural resources can go a long way in enhancing cooperation and interdependence in the Horn of African states and finally, the study recommended the adjudication of the Illemi Triangle.