Causes of Inter- Ethnic Conflict in the Greater Horn of African Countries: The Case of Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda

Abstract

The Greater horn of African region became area where inter –ethnic conflict escalating at alarming rate from time to time. This study focused on four ethnically heterogeneous countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda).The study based on secondary sources to examine various inter-ethnic conflicts happened so far in the region. To some extent, ongoing conflicts also highlighted. The researcher employed narration, interpretation, and conceptual generalization to analyze data. The results showed that, complexity of border demarcation between administrative divisions, legacy of past  regimes of respective state and  colonizers with exception of Ethiopia, competitions over socio-political and socio-economic benefits and maladministration  are major causes of inter ethnic conflict in the region .It was recommended to states in the region  have to  prioritize proportional representation  ethnic groups in decision making especially on national policy/agenda that affect the life of all citizens and develop systematically redistributive policies that targeted on political power and economy.