GGH2601
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO. 143131
DUE DATE: 18 AUGUST 2025
, The African Challenge: People and Environment
Question 1: Discuss how diversity on the African continent can be viewed as
fueling conflict.
Africa is often hailed as one of the most diverse continents in the world. With over 1,500
languages, thousands of ethnic groups, diverse religions, and complex historical
backgrounds, the continent's diversity is both a strength and a challenge. While diversity
can lead to cultural richness and innovation, it can also fuel conflict when differences
are exploited or when state mechanisms fail to equitably manage pluralism. In this
essay, the role of ethnic, religious, linguistic, and socio-economic diversity in fueling
conflict on the African continent is explored.
Ethnic Diversity and Identity-Based Conflicts
Ethnic divisions remain a critical source of tension in Africa, often manipulated for
political gain. Colonial legacies drew arbitrary borders that ignored ethnic distributions,
resulting in states where multiple groups compete for resources and political dominance
(Mamdani, 2019). A prime example is the Rwandan genocide of 1994, where colonial
favoritism toward the Tutsi elite created lasting divisions between Hutu and Tutsi
populations, culminating in one of the most horrific genocides in modern history
(Hintjens, 2019).
In Nigeria, ethnic diversity has also played a role in long-standing tensions. The conflict
between the Hausa-Fulani in the North, Yoruba in the West, and Igbo in the East has
historically caused political instability and even civil war (Olaosebikan, 2020). The
Nigerian-Biafran War (1967–1970) emerged from ethnic mistrust and secessionist
desires, which remain active today through groups like IPOB (Indigenous People of
Biafra).
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO. 143131
DUE DATE: 18 AUGUST 2025
, The African Challenge: People and Environment
Question 1: Discuss how diversity on the African continent can be viewed as
fueling conflict.
Africa is often hailed as one of the most diverse continents in the world. With over 1,500
languages, thousands of ethnic groups, diverse religions, and complex historical
backgrounds, the continent's diversity is both a strength and a challenge. While diversity
can lead to cultural richness and innovation, it can also fuel conflict when differences
are exploited or when state mechanisms fail to equitably manage pluralism. In this
essay, the role of ethnic, religious, linguistic, and socio-economic diversity in fueling
conflict on the African continent is explored.
Ethnic Diversity and Identity-Based Conflicts
Ethnic divisions remain a critical source of tension in Africa, often manipulated for
political gain. Colonial legacies drew arbitrary borders that ignored ethnic distributions,
resulting in states where multiple groups compete for resources and political dominance
(Mamdani, 2019). A prime example is the Rwandan genocide of 1994, where colonial
favoritism toward the Tutsi elite created lasting divisions between Hutu and Tutsi
populations, culminating in one of the most horrific genocides in modern history
(Hintjens, 2019).
In Nigeria, ethnic diversity has also played a role in long-standing tensions. The conflict
between the Hausa-Fulani in the North, Yoruba in the West, and Igbo in the East has
historically caused political instability and even civil war (Olaosebikan, 2020). The
Nigerian-Biafran War (1967–1970) emerged from ethnic mistrust and secessionist
desires, which remain active today through groups like IPOB (Indigenous People of
Biafra).
