GGH2601
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025
2 2025 143131
Unique Number:
Due date: 18 August 2025
QUESTION 1: DIVERSITY AND CONFLICT IN AFRICA
Introduction
Africa is a continent rich in diversity. It is home to over 1,500 languages, hundreds of ethnic
groups, and many religious and cultural traditions. While this diversity can be a strength, it
has also been a source of conflict. Many African countries have faced serious violence,
partly because of the differences between groups in terms of ethnicity, religion, culture, and
access to resources. This essay explains how the deep diversity of Africa sometimes fuels
tension and conflict.
Ethnic Diversity and Historical Divisions
One of the main causes of conflict in Africa is ethnic diversity, especially when different
groups are treated unequally. Many African countries were created by colonial powers that
drew borders without considering ethnic and cultural boundaries. This resulted in people of
the same ethnic group living in different countries and different groups being forced to live
together under one government. In countries like Rwanda, Burundi, and Nigeria, this has
created serious tension. In Rwanda, for example, the conflict between Hutu and Tutsi
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replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
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responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
QUESTION 1: DIVERSITY AND CONFLICT IN AFRICA
Introduction
Africa is a continent rich in diversity. It is home to over 1,500 languages, hundreds of
ethnic groups, and many religious and cultural traditions. While this diversity can be
a strength, it has also been a source of conflict. Many African countries have faced
serious violence, partly because of the differences between groups in terms of
ethnicity, religion, culture, and access to resources. This essay explains how the
deep diversity of Africa sometimes fuels tension and conflict.
Ethnic Diversity and Historical Divisions
One of the main causes of conflict in Africa is ethnic diversity, especially when
different groups are treated unequally. Many African countries were created by
colonial powers that drew borders without considering ethnic and cultural
boundaries. This resulted in people of the same ethnic group living in different
countries and different groups being forced to live together under one government. In
countries like Rwanda, Burundi, and Nigeria, this has created serious tension. In
Rwanda, for example, the conflict between Hutu and Tutsi groups led to a genocide
in 1994, where around 800,000 people were killed. This deep division was created
during colonial times when Belgian rulers gave more power to the Tutsi minority,
creating lasting resentment (Mashau & Kone, 2015).
Bertinelli, Cömertpay, and Maystadt (2025) show that when ethnic groups are
treated unequally or pushed into competition for jobs, land, or power, the chances of
conflict increase. People are more likely to rebel or join armed groups when they feel
that their group is being unfairly treated or excluded from development and
government.
Religious Differences and Misuse of Religion
Religion is another part of Africa’s diversity that has sometimes led to conflict. In
countries like Sudan and Nigeria, there have been tensions between Muslims and
Christians or between followers of traditional African religions and other faiths.
However, these conflicts are not always just about religion. Often, religion is used by
political leaders or rebel groups to make a conflict look more serious and to gain
support.
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025
2 2025 143131
Unique Number:
Due date: 18 August 2025
QUESTION 1: DIVERSITY AND CONFLICT IN AFRICA
Introduction
Africa is a continent rich in diversity. It is home to over 1,500 languages, hundreds of ethnic
groups, and many religious and cultural traditions. While this diversity can be a strength, it
has also been a source of conflict. Many African countries have faced serious violence,
partly because of the differences between groups in terms of ethnicity, religion, culture, and
access to resources. This essay explains how the deep diversity of Africa sometimes fuels
tension and conflict.
Ethnic Diversity and Historical Divisions
One of the main causes of conflict in Africa is ethnic diversity, especially when different
groups are treated unequally. Many African countries were created by colonial powers that
drew borders without considering ethnic and cultural boundaries. This resulted in people of
the same ethnic group living in different countries and different groups being forced to live
together under one government. In countries like Rwanda, Burundi, and Nigeria, this has
created serious tension. In Rwanda, for example, the conflict between Hutu and Tutsi
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
QUESTION 1: DIVERSITY AND CONFLICT IN AFRICA
Introduction
Africa is a continent rich in diversity. It is home to over 1,500 languages, hundreds of
ethnic groups, and many religious and cultural traditions. While this diversity can be
a strength, it has also been a source of conflict. Many African countries have faced
serious violence, partly because of the differences between groups in terms of
ethnicity, religion, culture, and access to resources. This essay explains how the
deep diversity of Africa sometimes fuels tension and conflict.
Ethnic Diversity and Historical Divisions
One of the main causes of conflict in Africa is ethnic diversity, especially when
different groups are treated unequally. Many African countries were created by
colonial powers that drew borders without considering ethnic and cultural
boundaries. This resulted in people of the same ethnic group living in different
countries and different groups being forced to live together under one government. In
countries like Rwanda, Burundi, and Nigeria, this has created serious tension. In
Rwanda, for example, the conflict between Hutu and Tutsi groups led to a genocide
in 1994, where around 800,000 people were killed. This deep division was created
during colonial times when Belgian rulers gave more power to the Tutsi minority,
creating lasting resentment (Mashau & Kone, 2015).
Bertinelli, Cömertpay, and Maystadt (2025) show that when ethnic groups are
treated unequally or pushed into competition for jobs, land, or power, the chances of
conflict increase. People are more likely to rebel or join armed groups when they feel
that their group is being unfairly treated or excluded from development and
government.
Religious Differences and Misuse of Religion
Religion is another part of Africa’s diversity that has sometimes led to conflict. In
countries like Sudan and Nigeria, there have been tensions between Muslims and
Christians or between followers of traditional African religions and other faiths.
However, these conflicts are not always just about religion. Often, religion is used by
political leaders or rebel groups to make a conflict look more serious and to gain
support.
