“Personal ambition was the main cause of ethnic conflict.” Discuss with reference to two African countries.

The question requires that candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that personal ambition was the main cause of ethnic conflict in two African countries. Candidates may refer to individual leaders who sought to justify their seizure of power by encouraging conflict with other ethnic groups, who were deemed inferior or hostile. They may also look at ways in which individual rulers introduced new ideologies to encourage opposition to other ethnic groups in order to seize their land, power, etc. Other explanations of ethnic conflict may be addressed, for example the role of external influences, either physical or ideological; the legacy of colonial rule; long-standing ethnic rivalries; or rapidly changing economic, social or ideological circumstances. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.