Ubuntu: an approach for identity-based conflicts in the contemporary Africa

Abstract

ABSTRACT The major objective of this study is to critically examine the relevance of African traditional values and social philosophies, particularly Ubuntu to resolve identity-based conflicts in contemporary Africa. Recently, too many African states are experiencing violent conflicts and entering into destructive wars due to identity-based differences. African countries that had experienced protracted colonial subjugation are currently involving in the struggle to control political power and resources at the expense of others lies at the heart of civil wars, armed insurrections, ethnic conflict, genocide, xenophobia, and inter-state wars. These kinds of conflicts have been growing more after colonization because of two major factors. First, since 1884/5 of the Berlin Conference, European colonizers began to divide Africa and its people on the basis of religious, linguistic, and ethnic identities, and this division finally led the people of Africa into violent competition for political power and scarce resource. Second, since colonialism, African people have been imitating the western or modern way of conflict resolving mechanisms by neglecting their own social philosophies like Ubuntu. To this end, the paper examines the palace of Ubuntu in resolving identity-based conflicts and also in preserving peace in contemporary Africa. The study finally proves the fact that the post-2018 transitional government of Ethiopia brings tangible solutions in resolving identity–based conflicts by applying the philosophy of ‘Ubuntu’. In doing this study, the researcher used an analytical method to strengthen the central argument. So, the study largely relied on secondary sources such as books, scientific journals, online articles, magazines, newspapers, conference proceedings, reports and the like. Moreover, the researcher’s observation on the continued social philosophies of African people and cultural practices was of immense importance.