Africa is home to hundreds of ethnic groups and religious communities, each with its own history, culture, and traditions. This diversity, meant to be a source of beauty and enrichment, has also been a source of tension and conflict. Across various regions, ethnic and religious divisions have fuelled inter-group violence, resulting in displacement, loss of life, and the entrenchment of social and political instability.
Ethnic and religious divisions can be traced back to pre-colonial times, but contemporary tensions stem largely from the arbitrary borders drawn by European colonial powers. These borders often disregarded ethnic and cultural boundaries, forcing the amalgamation of historically rival groups. Colonial powers such as Britain, France, and Belgium employed a “divide and rule” strategy in countries like Rwanda, Burundi, and Nigeria, deliberately pitting ethnic groups against each other to maintain political dominance and control over resources.
READ ALSO: Ethnic and tribal dynamics in African politics: Effects on National Harmony
In many African countries, ethnic identity is closely tied to political affiliation, and the acquisition of power is often perceived as a zero-sum game. This has exacerbated ethnic tensions, with groups vying for control of state institutions and resources, particularly in countries where governance is weak or corrupt. Sudan provides a stark example, where conflict has been shaped by both ethnic and religious differences. The predominantly Arab Muslim north was in prolonged conflict with the African Christian and animist south, and even after South Sudan gained independence in 2011, ethnic violence continues to plague both nations as rival groups compete for political and economic control.
Religion has also played a role in exacerbating inter-group violence. Although Africa has a long history of religious coexistence, particularly in cosmopolitan urban areas, religion has increasingly been politicised and used as a tool for mobilisation in conflicts. In Nigeria, the religious divide has contributed to recurrent violence, including the deadly insurgency by the Islamist group Boko Haram. The group has targeted Christians, government institutions, and anyone opposing their vision, displacing millions and deepening religious rifts within the country.
In the Central African Republic (CAR), violent religious conflict erupted between Christian and Muslim militias in 2013. The largely Muslim Séléka rebel group overthrew the government, prompting the formation of the Christian Anti-Balaka militia in retaliation. The ensuing violence resulted in massacres, ethnic cleansing, and widespread atrocities, illustrating how religious identity can be manipulated by armed groups to incite violence and deepen societal divides.
Economic factors play a significant role in fuelling ethnic and religious violence. Competition for resources such as land, water, and minerals often exacerbates existing tensions. In the Sahel region, where desertification and climate change have worsened resource scarcity, ethnic and religious groups frequently clash over access to arable land and water sources. The conflict between Fulani herders and sedentary farming communities in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger demonstrates how environmental stress can escalate pre-existing tensions into violent confrontations.
The exploitation of natural resources, such as oil and minerals, has also been a major catalyst for violent competition between ethnic groups in countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of the Congo. Armed groups, often backed by foreign interests, engage in resource wars, while local communities are forced into violent allegiances to protect their land and wealth.
Foreign powers have frequently played a role in deepening these conflicts, either for strategic reasons or to gain access to natural resources. Arms trading, political interference, and support for authoritarian regimes have fuelled conflicts that pit ethnic or religious groups against each other. In Somalia, the United States and other Western countries have supported the government in its battle against militant groups like al-Shabaab. In Libya and Sudan, foreign intervention in civil wars has often exacerbated ethnic and religious divisions, further destabilising already fragile nations.
A crucial step toward mitigating these conflicts is the strengthening of democratic institutions that promote inclusivity, equality, and the rule of law. By ensuring that all ethnic and religious groups have a stake in the political process, African countries can begin to address the root causes of division and violence. Some nations, such as Rwanda after the 1994 genocide, have made significant strides in rebuilding trust among communities. Rwanda’s emphasis on national unity, reconciliation, and economic development has provided a model for other countries grappling with the aftermath of ethnic violence.
Ethnic and religious divisions have undoubtedly played a central role in fuelling inter-group violence in Africa. While these conflicts are deeply rooted in the continent’s history, there are numerous examples of reconciliation, cooperation, and progress. If African nations can build strong, inclusive institutions, promote dialogue between divided groups, and address the root causes of inequality and poverty, there is hope that the continent can move toward a future free from violence based on ethnicity and religion.
