Ethnicity and conflict management in post-colonial Africa

The article examines the reasons for the prominence of the ethnic discourse in contemporary African conflicts and the impact of such discourse on their management and outcome. It first raises the general question as to whether 'ethnic representation' of conflicts exacerbates them or moderates them and why. It then turns its attention to the dynamics of 'ethnicity construction' in Africa, under pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial rule, stressing especially the role it played as a political tool during decolonization. The article finally assesses the different attitudes of contemporary African governments toward public recognition of ethnic diversity.