Ethnic tensions are there in many countries of the world. According to multiple newspapers including the BBC and CNN, there are ethnic tensions in different countries in Asia, Africa and other regions including Myanmar, Nigeria, India, South Sudan and Iraq. Ethnic tensions — which arise between different ethnic groups within a society — often lead to violence and even armed conflicts including civil wars, hinder social cohesion and impede the progress of nations in economic, social and other terms by diverting resources towards ethnic conflicts rather than development initiatives. Among others, innumerable people are killed and displaced every year because of ethnic tensions leading to concerns in the world.
It is notable that there are power struggle based, economic grievances based and other factors that lead to ethnic tensions in different countries of the world. Historical conflicts, political power struggles and territorial disputes are some of the notable causes of ethnic tensions. For instance, the ethnic tensions between Serbs, Croats and Bosniaks in the Balkans were fueled by historical conflicts dating back to World War II and exacerbated by political power struggles during the breakup of Yugoslavia. Additionally, grievances including economic disparities and discrimination based on ethnicity often fuel ethnic tensions. Economic disparities between the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups fueled ethnic violence and mass killings. Among others, religious causes and cultural differences contribute to ethnic tensions within a society.
Negotiations based, development based and other efforts are made to resolve ethnic tensions in different countries. Promoting dialogue and understanding between different ethnic groups is an often noted steps in the mitigation of ethnic tensions. Additionally, and importantly, different countries including, but not limited to, India, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Myanmar and South Africa have made peace agreements to mitigate ethnic tensions. Some countries have established reconciliation commissions to address historical grievances and promote healing among different ethnic communities. Among others, many governments implement inclusive policies that ensure equal rights and economic and other opportunities for all citizens regardless of their ethnicity and ensure cultural exchange programs to foster mutual respect and appreciation.
But efforts are less and there are implementation based and other limitations of the efforts made to mitigate ethnic tensions in many countries. There is a lack of effective efforts to hold peace talks between different ethnic groups/parties and make peace agreements and mitigate ethnic tensions. Moreover, there is a lack of implementation of peace agreements — aiming at mitigating ethnic tensions — leading to ethnic conflicts in many countries. For example, the lack of effective implementation of the peace agreements between ethnic groups in indifferent countries including Myanmar (the 2015 Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement) and Nigeria (the 2004 Yelwa-Shendam Peace Accord) has hindered efforts to achieve lasting peace and reconciliation.
Diverse causes put barriers to making successful efforts to mitigate ethnic tensions in different countries. The lack of political will and intention of the parties, the lack of mutual trust and the absence of communication channels between ethnic communities often hinder the initiation of peace talks and the effective implementation of peace agreements. Additionally, unresolved economic and other grievances and the lack of strong institutions hinder the effective implementation of peace agreements aimed at mitigating ethnic tensions in many countries. Among others, the influence of extremist ideologies and geopolitical factors make it challenging to implement peace agreements and mitigate ethnic tensions.
It is desired that steps be strengthened to mitigate ethnic tensions in different countries. Promoting peace talks among different ethnic groups is definitely crucial. Peace agreements need to be made in many countries to mitigate ethnic tensions but their implementation needs to be ensured. Additionally, economic grievances need to be addressed in the peace agreements. Fostering inclusive policies and practices that ensure opportunities and representation for all ethnic groups can help bridge divides — along with promoting harmony within communities. International mediation may be crucial in mitigating ethnic tensions in many countries.
