GGH2601
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: 18 August 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+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.
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: 18 August 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+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.
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
