Historicizing Ethno-Religious and Political Conflicts in West Africa: The Malian Case

Abstract

This article historicizes ethno-religious and political conflicts in West Africa with Mali as a case in point. It looks at how foreign and donors’ conditioned aid can pose a threat to the peaceful existence and survival of West African States. In fact, Mali has since its independence been beset by an extraordinary heavy burden of conflicts. It is either suffering from rebellions or political instability. Added to this, are the current religious problems which are undermining its territorial unity as a result of rising questions and distrust between northern and southern communities. This paper analyzes the reasons for the central authorities’ opposition to the northern population, namely the Tuareg and Arabs, on the one hand, and the State to the military, on the other hand. It also brings to light the politically, religiously, and militarily roles of external stakeholder such as the neighboring and Gulf countries, France and the international community as it examines the causes and impacts of the political social and religious fragmentations using a historical perspective and provide for endogenous and exogenous solutions.