Multiple Layers of Individual and Group Identities

This chapter focuses on the societal sources of security threat such as identity. It is argued that African states are state-nations with a diverse population which have multi-layered identities. While national identities have been consolidating in most parts of Africa, what this book refers to as umbrella ethnic group identities have also been growing. These identities allow for political entrepreneurship and hatreds, which may result in conflict with national security consequences. Examples of such conflicts are elicited to emphasise the problem. It concludes that identity politics have inherent security challenges which will continue to affect Africa.