Polarization of Religious-Political Groups in the Horn of Africa

Abstract

There are a number of familiar themes that are part and parcel of the history of the Horn of Africa region that provide an apt commentary from the past on the present. Even though they seem to have happened a long time ago, they provide us with lessons that are pertinent even today. They characterize the relationship that exists among the two dominant religions of Christianity and Islam. In a sense, they are fixtures in the landscape and affect the lives of the region’s peoples throughout their history. On the one hand, there are instances of coexistence, accommodation, and dialogue among the communities. They interact with one another and live peacefully together. There are many facets of exchange and crossing over. On the other hand, there are also instances where violent clashes predominate. In these situations, the differences that separate the religions become so acute that the only course of action becomes a violent confrontation between the communities. As a continuation of such confrontations, there are also instances where one or the other community is confined to its headquarters, marginalized, and restricted in its activities.