When do Horizontal Inequalities Lead to Conflict? Lessons from a Comparative Study of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

In order to unravel the linkages between the presence of severe horizontal inequalities and the outbreak of violent conflict in plural societies, this chapter compares the experiences of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Despite some differences, a Ghana/Côte d’Ivoire study has a strong foundation for comparison because of the large number of structural similarities between these two countries — including population size, location, geography and climate, variety and distribution of ethnic groups, regional developmental inequalities, economic structure and level of development. Yet, while both countries were and are confronted with severe socioeconomic inequalities between their northern and southern regions, only Côte d’Ivoire has experienced a violent national conflict with a clear north-south dimension. Ghana has remained relatively stable and peaceful at the national level since the Fourth Republic came into existence in January 1993. And even though Ghana’s political history before 1993 was rather turbulent with several coup d’états and prolonged periods of military rule, no serious ethnic or religious violence has taken place at the national level.¹ By analyzing why a north-south conflict has emerged in Côte d’Ivoire, and not in Ghana, this chapter aims to contribute to enhancing our understanding of the circumstances in which horizontal inequalities are likely to provoke violent conflict.