AFRICA CONNECT
T
he history of the Great Lakes
is permeated by violence and
political mayhem. Tanzania,
Burundi, the DRC and Rwanda
are some of the indigenous
nations that can tell the tongue-tiring
stories of this naturally resourceful land.
The name itself was founded on the
geographical elements of the region,
with lakes Victoria and Tangayika running
right through it. And for over 20 years,
this glorious part of the continent has
experienced a unique conflict, founded
and curated on love for tribal customs and
ethnic history.
They say the many wars were caused by
civil, pastoral and tribal conflict. If we take
a look at the Rwandan genocide, you’ll
see how it introduced the world to the
concept of cultural affiliation. The tribal
war among the Hutus and Tutus reinforced
some sense of cultural pride among the
people and the ultimate need to preserve
identity. And indeed, cultural association
is an integral part of identity that intensifies
our purpose as a collective group.
IMBO/ ISSUE 31/ '14
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