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Ethnic bias, favouritism and development in Africa

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  • Richard Ilorah

Abstract

The leadership in many African countries, with their ethnic diversities, is characterised by ethnic bias and favouritism, and citizens are thus treated unequally in many respects, particularly when it comes to national resource allocation and political representation. This breeds resentment and creates conditions for an ultimate rejection of the state by the frustrated and politically conscious masses. It is also tantamount to corruption, weakening the ability of the state to function efficiently, and is therefore anti-developmental. This paper argues that the socio-economic crises in many African countries are aggravated by practices of ethnic bias and favouritism that have consistently violated the principle of the impersonality of economic agents, caused resentment among the marginalised ethnic groups, fuelled conflicts and retarded development on the continent. It is recommended that a strong and credible judicial body, with powers to investigate crimes against citizens and prosecute and punish offenders, be established by the African Union.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard Ilorah, 2009. "Ethnic bias, favouritism and development in Africa," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 26(5), pages 695-707.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:deveza:v:26:y:2009:i:5:p:695-707
    DOI: 10.1080/03768350903303209
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    Cited by:

    1. Thilo Bodenstein & Achim Kemmerling, 2017. "The European Union as a Collective Actor: Aid and Trade in African Public Opinion," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 35(4), pages 567-586, July.
    2. Abebe BIRU, 2019. "Failures Of Ethnic Politics In Ethiopia: A Machiavellian Way Out," Social Sciences and Education Research Review, Department of Communication, Journalism and Education Sciences, University of Craiova, vol. 6(1), pages 48-71, July.
    3. Michael A. Abebe & Yamlaksira S. Getachew & Sarah Kimakwa, 2022. "Entrepreneurs’ Ethnic and Political Identity Alignment as Determinants of Access to Government Support in Africa: A Conceptual Framework," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 46(2), pages 449-476, March.
    4. Roestamy, Martin & Martin, Abraham Yazdi & Rusli, Radif Khotamir & Fulazzaky, Mohamad Ali, 2022. "A review of the reliability of land bank institution in Indonesia for effective land management of public interest," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 120(C).
    5. Barriga, Alicia & Ferguson, Neil T. N． & Fiala, Nathan & Leroch, Martin Alois, 2023. "Ethnic cooperation and conflict in Kenya," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 106(C).

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