THE LAKE NYASA BORDER DISPUTE BETWEEN TANZANIA AND MALAWI: A NEED FOR LEGAL SOLUTION

Abstract

Lake Nyasa has been a focal point of a long standing border dispute between Tanzania and Malawi, which remains unresolved to date. The dispute has impaired diplomatic relations, deterred investment, stalled exploration and inflamed localized tensions. This article navigates the historical, legal and economic facets of thedispute. It shows how the two international law doctrines: uti possidetis juris and median line/equidistance, are used by the disputants to solidify their claims. To clear this legal quagmire, and being supported by the theory of legal interpretivism, the article argues for the need of a legal solution. A legal solution through adjudication orarbitration is a matter of necessity to unlock the lake’s abundant economic potential, propel regional intertrade,upholding peaceful coexistence between Tanzania and Malawi, and ultimately attain sustainable economicdevelopment.