Tanzania has reportedly unilaterally closed its border crossing with Kenya citing an aggressive testing policy by Nairobi and that it’s Kenyan’s who are COVID-19 vectors in the country. The ramifications of this move are significantly catastrophic for they cut trade between the two countries and affects movement of people to and fro either country. While the conflict is likely to remain limited to inter-country trade, the basic economic law of supply and demand mean that no border barrier or limitations can stop bonder-lands from their economic symbiosis, hence won’t be long before demand forces armistice and subsequent reopening . However, we foresee an escalation in this event, with Dar es Salaam aggressive yet foolhardy approach begging the question “How will Pombe Maghufuli weigh the stewardship of Tanzanians against the moral imperative?”
The enduring border dispute over COVID-19 testing, will further strain security ties between Tanzania and Kenya and could spill over into other parts of their relationship. Tanga is home to docile Harakat Shabaab al-Mujahideen cells. These cells have been operating in Kwale in the Kenyan side and in Tanga’s Amboni caves and seaside. Tanzania, a country whose leadership has continued to snub other East African leader’s efforts to combat the pandemic continues to display lackluster and ignorance putting 7 border countries at risk.
By authorizing a mere District Commissioner to close an international border point, Dar did not only show contempt, rather demonstrated its willingness to push the bad blood to the brink, possibly, partially severe diplomatic ties with Nairobi and impose some kind of sanctions on border trade. Although there is no territorial conflict with Kenya, the two countries should quickly reach an agreement and normalize relations since both countries still remains important to either in terms of trade, business and investments.
