This study begins by tracing the causes of ethnic conflicts in Africa. By examining the theories of democracy and conflict resolution, the study seeks to establish conditions required for the resolution of ethnic conflicts. The study primarily seeks to confirm if democracy can resolve ethnic conflicts in Africa. It uses case studies of the democratic country of Ghana for the research. By comparing ethnic conflicts in the two countries, the study seeks to establish the conditions that led to the resolution of the recent ethnic conflict in Ghana. Additionally, this comparison is to determine whether the existence of similar conditions in Liberia can lead to the resolution of ethnic conflict in that country and other countries in Africa. The study concludes that the establishment of a democratic government in Liberia can resolve the ethnic conflict in that country. It also concludes that the establishment of democratic governments in Africa can resolve the ethnic conflicts in Africa.

ADA 299636 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)