DO BORDERS UNDERMINE AFRICAN BROTHERHOOD?

 

 

Adeladius Makwega – MBAGALA

 

Once again, I invite you, dear reader, to today’s cartoon feature. Remember, this is an analytical piece that examines cartoons as they appear in various media outlets and online platforms. Our presenter selects four cartoons—first describing them as they are, then analyzing them through a keen eye, connecting them to the real-life context intended by the artist, and finally offering personal reflections.

 

Today, Mwanakwetu opens the discussion with the first cartoon. It portrays a father calmly sipping tea, while beside him his wife helps their daughter learn how to read. Nearby, a young boy plays peacefully. Yet inside the father’s mind—there lies a heavy story. He is burdened with countless worries: taxes, debts, food, school fees, electricity, transport, and water.

 

This cartoon reflects the heavy load carried by men—and society at large. In such a situation, can even a simple cup of tea or a meal truly go down in peace?

That is a question I leave with you, dear reader, as we move on to the second cartoon.

 

Now, we turn to the second cartoon. Here, we see a Maasai man whose cow has been stolen. Fortunately, he manages to catch the thief. The case is taken to the village chairman. With confidence, the chairman assures him: 

 

“Do not worry, this is where you will get justice.”

But the Maasai firmly responds:

“I don’t want justice—I just want my cow!”

 

This cartoon carries a deep humor—it challenges us to reflect on the difference between legal justice and practical justice.

 

As we proceed, Mwanakwetu examines the third cartoon, shared by DW Kiswahili on social media and illustrated by Said wa Michael, popularly known as Wakudata. The cartoon depicts a woman dressed in a black abaya with a red hijab. Beside her stand three leaders from security institutions—police, military, and intelligence—portrayed with exaggerated, imposing bodies resembling traditional Makonde dancers.

 

A large group of citizens appears confined within an enclosure, like a fenced pen bound with chains labeled “Law.” The leaders stand outside the enclosure, as though they are the ones controlling the system.

 

In their dialogue, one of them remarks,

“The lady is going too far.”

claiming she has allegations to answer. Yet the woman responds firmly:

“No one is above the law.”

However, the imagery suggests something different—that those outside the enclosure appear to be above the law, while the ordinary citizens remain confined within it. This raises a profound question: Are leaders truly above the law?

 

According to Mwanakwetu’s analysis, the cartoon strongly challenges this notion, with DW Kiswahili amplifying the message to a global audience. A closer look suggests that the main figure may be symbolically representing Tanzania’s President, Samia Suluhu Hassan.

 

The question remains: In Tanzania, are leaders above the law?

 

This is a heavy question that calls for deep reflection.

Finally, we arrive at the fourth and last cartoon, also by Said wa Michael and shared by DW. It depicts Kenyan politician Martha Karua arriving at Entebbe Airport in Uganda, only to be denied entry. A security officer firmly states:

“You are not even allowed to step on this land.”

 

Indeed, Martha Karua was denied entry into Uganda. Upon returning to Kenya, she was received by a large crowd and expressed her frustration:

 

“My goodness, have we really reached this point? What is happening in Uganda and Tanzania? My fellow Kenyans, there is a need to declare a state of emergency.”

 

The presenter of this feature is astonished by this situation. He reminds us that before colonial borders, we were one people—there were no passports or restrictions. Today, even visiting your own relatives requires strict conditions.

 

This situation is also linked to a reported incident in Tanzania, where activists from Kenya and Uganda—Boniface Mwangi and lawyer Agather Atuhaire—claimed they were arrested, tortured, and sexually abused while observing a political case. The Tanzanian government strongly denied these allegations.

 

The activists filed a case at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), seeking compensation of one million US dollars each. If they win, Tanzania could be required to pay a substantial amount—approximately five billion Tanzanian shillings—funds that ultimately come from taxpayers.

In summary, the impact of this case on Tanzania could be significant in terms of law, politics, diplomacy, and international reputation. The final outcome will depend on the court’s ruling and the evidence presented.

 

One question remains: Do borders undermine African brotherhood?

 

Mwanakwetu, are you there?

With that, I close today’s cartoon feature. We have explored four cartoons: the burden carried by a parent, the Maasai and his cow, leaders and the law, and finally Martha Karua—which brings our discussion to a close.

Remember…

 

“Borders Undermine African Brotherhood.”

 

Wishing you a wonderful day.

 

Adeladius Makwega

📧 makwadeladius@gmail.com

📞 0717649257