Ethnic diversity and conflict in sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from refugee-hosting areas

Bertinelli, Luisito;Cömertpay, Rana;Maystadt, Jean-François
(2024) Journal of Development Economics — Vol. 172, p. 103393 (2025)

Files

Ethnicdiversityandconflictinsub-SaharanAfrica.pdf
  • Open Access
  • Adobe PDF
  • 6.55 MB
  • https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Download

Details

Authors
  • Bertinelli, LuisitoUniversity of Luxembourg
    Author
  • Cömertpay, RanaLuxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER)
    Author
  • Maystadt, Jean-FrançoisUCLouvain
    Author
Abstract
This study explores how forced migration affects ethnic diversity and conflict in 23 Sub-Saharan African countries from 2005 to 2016. Using UNHCR data on refugee camp locations, we predict changes in local ethnic diversity. By integrating Afrobarometer and Ethnic Power Relations-Ethnicity of Refugees datasets, we analyse the link between refugee-induced diversity and conflict occurrence. Findings indicate that refugee-induced polarization increases the risk of local violence, while fractionalization has a mitigating effect. Notably, the number of refugees does not impact the likelihood of conflict; instead, alterations in ethnic diversity, especially polarization, emerge as the primary driver of conflict.
Affiliations

Citations

  • APA
  • Chicago
  • FWB

Bertinelli, L., Cömertpay, R., & Maystadt, J.-F. (2024). Ethnic diversity and conflict in sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from refugee-hosting areas. Journal of Development Economics, 172, 103393. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdeveco.2024.103393 (Original work published 2025)