Abstract

Ethnic conflicts in Africa are the results of frequent power struggle between the state and the various ethnic groups over state power and limited resources. This is because states in Africa have failed to device institutional arrangements that accommodate the various cultural and political entities. It is also due to the centralization of power and insufficient accountability of African leaders, proliferation of small arms and the persistence of ethnocentrism. The study apart from identifying the causes of ethnic conflict especially in Sudan and Somalia, examined its impact on the state and the role that cultural cohesion play in resolving and preventing ethnic conflicts.  It also identified the possible solutions to ethnic conflicts. The research which was descriptive in nature and based mainly on the conflicts in Sudan and Somalia revealed that ethnic conflicts results into insecurity, loss of life, destruction of community, social structure, capital and investments, local and national economy, and increased the level of poverty and underdevelopment. Cultural cohesion will help unit the people together as they come to share common values. Given the diverse nature of cultural identity, people need to express other values that are only peculiar to the group that they belong. When cultural diversity is integrated into the national identity, it will contribute to balance of power, strengthen emotional mobilization; encourage people to seek the same interest for development, prevent authoritarian government, and allow for peaceful negotiation between the government and the ethnic groups thereby reducing the level/number of conflicts. This can be achieved through education whereby both the youth and elderly will be exposed to the skills needed to promote peace and non-violence, formulating policies that are multicultural in nature, and developing sustainable economic development.