Category: Ethnic Conflict

As multiple large-scale interests collide in the desire for more land and water resources (e.g., agribusiness, conservation initiatives, extractive industries, infrastructure projects), this strains available land and has produced increased levels of conflict between indigenous peoples and farming communities, who constitute the majority of rural residents in Africa. Oftentimes conflicts over these resources align with ethnic difference, hence some of these cases can be understood as primarily about access to resources and secondarily about ethnic, cultural, and/or livelihood differences.

Himba vs. Hydroelectric Dam Proposals in Kunene Region

The OvaHimba have preserved their pastoralist lifestyle despite hardships but now face threats from planned Kunene River dams.

San in Angola

Photo Credit: Craig Davis

Pojulu vs. Nile Trading & Development

Nile Trading & Development signed a land deal and now claims resource rights without the indigenous community’s consent.

Basarwa/San vs. Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Basarwa/San were displaced from Botswana’s Central Kalahari Game Reserve for mining and tourism.

Al Ain Wildlife

In Jonglei, South Sudan, indigenous communities were displaced for a UAE-backed national park project.

Fellata vs. Citadel Capital and Concord Agriculture

In Unity State, South Sudan, 105,000 hectares were leased to the Egyptian company Citadel Capital to grow maize and sorghum.Photo Credit: Tim Mckulka

Life of Batwa in Burundi

In Burundi, the Batwa make up about one percent of the population. They face discrimination, and many live in poor conditions.

Fulani People Vs. Burkina Faso

The Fulani People are facing a human rights crisis facing systemic discrimination, political marginalization, and violent persecution.

Ethnic Conflict in Ubari: Kel Tamasheq and Tebu

Conflict between the two ethnic groups in Libya has caused mass displacement in the southwestern town of Ubari.

Disappearance of Lake Chad

The University of Michigan has its origins in land coercively purchased by the United States Federal Government from the Anishinaabeg (including Odawa, Ojibwe, and Potawatomi) and Wyandot nations. While this project documents ongoing cases of land expropriation and dispossession outside of the United States, we are also based in a university that stands, like almost all property in the United States, on lands obtained from indigenous peoples, generally through violence, intimidation, and dishonesty. Knowing and acknowledging where we live and work does not change this, but a thorough understanding of the ongoing consequences of these histories must shape our research, teaching, and outreach to create a future that supports human flourishing and justice for all individuals.