Malawi-Tanzania border maps captured in UN files

The Tanzania-Malawi border differences are also captured in the United Nations database of maps for the world body’s member States, Weekend Nation has learnt.

While the map for Malawi captures the entire lake, Tanzania’s map does not define any international boundary along the disputed northeastern part of Lake Malawi.

Experts have, however, said while maps for Malawi and Tanzania in the UN database cannot be conclusive in determining the actual boundary between the two countries, they can be tendered in court as part of evidence for the country’s claim of the whole lake.

Malawi joined the UN in December 1964 with its map having an international boundary cutting along the entire northeastern shores of the lake and leaving out part of the eastern waters in the lake for Mozambique.

On the other hand, Tanzania was admitted to the UN in December 1961 with its map only defining the international boundary where there is land and not along or in any water body, including Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria.

The maps are in the database for the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations Cartographic Section which, however, says the boundaries used on the maps do not imply an official endorsement or acceptance by the UN.

In an interview on Thursday, Chancellor College international law expert Dr. Mwiza Nkhata said while the maps may not be conclusive in determining the actual boundary between the two countries, Malawi can still use them as part of evidence for its claim of the entire lake.

“Such maps can be used as part of evidence only that they are not conclusive on their own because it depends on who made the maps. It could be that may be the one who was making the maps had some biases.

He said the actual boundary between Malawi and Tanzania over Lake Malawi can only be determined with consideration of all relevant instruments, including treaties and dealings connected to the same.

Currently, the Sadc committee of former Heads of State and Government is spearheading mediation efforts between Malawi and Tanzania to resolve the border dispute.

Malawi says it is ready to go to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on its claim for the entire lake if mediation efforts to get the same fail. On its part, Tanzania has also insisted it owns part of the lake and urged Malawi to stop any mineral exploration efforts on the disputed part of the lake.