ethnic conflict
Reports on ethnic conflict See all →
Instability in sub-Saharan Africa: The ‘tribal’ factor
A spate of violence against foreigners in South Africa last month highlighted Africa’s struggle to overcome ethnic divisions. In many countries, tribal and religious loyalties supersede national ones, making it difficult to create a united national polity. States that have been forced to unite in conflict have done better in overcoming tribalism. The ones that do so successfully will have a greater chance of achieving stability, and therefore attracting crucial foreign investment.
The geopolitics of a Kosovo-Serbia deal
Normalizing relations between Serbia and Kosovo has proved surprisingly difficult. After the European Union’s protracted Brussels Dialogue (2012-2019) stalled last year, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron have stepped in with a new effort at mediation. If it fails, the Western Balkans could end up waiting another ...
In postelection DRC, transition looks like restoration
After delaying elections for two years, former DRC President Joseph Kabila hit upon a clever stratagem to resolve his “third-term” problem. Borrowing a page from Vladimir Putin’s book, he appears to have arranged for a stand-in, nominally from the opposition, to win the presidency in a manipulated ballot. Mr. Kabila ...
Mali’s two wars
Mali, aided by France and several other countries in the region, is waging a war against jihadist terrorists based in the north of its territory. But Bamako is also conducting a political, social and economic war against ethnic populations in the north who want more autonomy. Though France’s involvement has ...
Mozambique’s economic recovery faces tough challenges
Despite the untimely death of the leader of its opposition movement, Mozambique has managed to implement changes that will end years of political violence. The country is rich in natural gas and has plenty of agricultural potential, but a financial scandal and terrorism in its northern provinces are holding it ...
