Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 05/2010

Misinterpreting Ethnic Conflicts in Africa

Clement Mweyang Aapengnuo

April 2010

Africa Center for Strategic Studies

Abstract

Ethnic conflicts in Africa are often portrayed as having ages-old origins with little prospects for resolution. This article challenges that notion arguing that a re-diagnosis of the underlying drivers to ethnic violence can lead to more effective and sustainable responses.