Ethnic and cultural conflicts

   The analysis of the reasons that trigger armed conflict on the African continent requires a historical approach, because the process of colonization and independence of African countries interfered directly in social organization, mainly colonial intervention at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century, changed the organizational structure of African ethnic groups.

   During the occupation of Europeans in Africa, the territorial division of the continent had as criterion only the interests of the settlers, not taking into account ethnic and cultural differences of the local population. Communities often rivals, and that historically live in conflict, were placed in the same territory, while groups of the same ethnicity were separated.

   With the end of World War II, began the process of independence of African countries, however, part of the borders established by settlers was maintained, as well as new countries have been created. As a result, several armed conflicts between different ethnic groups for power dispute emerged within these new States.

   In addition to ethnic rivalry, other factors intensified the conflict, among them are: the low socioeconomic status of many countries and the installation of dictatorial governments. United States and Union of Soviet Socialist Republics contributed to clashes between different ethnic groups. The two powers, in order to increase its political, economic and ideological influence on the African continent, supplied weapons and financial support to the rival groups within the same country.

   Among the major conflicts in Africa are those that take place in Rwanda, Mali, Senegal, Burundi, Liberia, Congo and Somalia. Other, by territorial disputes, such as Sierra Leone, Somalia and Ethiopia, and also for religious matters, like what happens in Algeria in Sudan. Among so many ditatórias installed, the policies that had greater repercussions was the Apartheid in South Africa.