West Africa History

Sub-Saharan Africa's political instability can be traced directly to its colonial past. European powers, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, divided the region without regard for ethnic, cultural, or linguistic realities. The artificial borders created rivalries where none existed and forced together groups that had long-standing hostilities. As colonial governments focused solely on resource extraction, they neglected building lasting institutions. After independence, many nations inherited fragile systems prone to collapse. Ethnic Divisions and Tensions Ethnic tensions remain a root cause of instability. Colonial rulers often favored one group over another, creating deep resentments. When independence came, these divisions…