Religious groups involved
Christians
Muslims
History
The Yoruba and Igbo tribes which are predominantly Christian have had many conflicts with the Hausa and Fulani tribes which are predominantly Muslim. In 2001, Goodluck Jonathan (a Christian) was voted as president. Soon afterward, riots started over rumors that the voting process was rigged.
Discussion Questions
1. What are the historical origins of difference and conflict within Nigeria? Goodluck Jonathan's supposed rigged ascendence into presidency caused much controversy between the Muslim Hausa and Fulani tribes and the Christian Yoruba and Igbo tribes.
2. How were domestic religious forces and identities involved? The 2001 election was held under scrutiny because section 10 of the Nigerian Constitution stated that no state could have a state religion.
3. How do issues of sharia, indigeneity, and the census intersect with religion? The implementation of sharia upset many Christians. Sharia is an Islamic government system that was adopted by many Nigerian states.
4. Are international influences important in exacerbating or resolving tension? There is little international influence in either creating conflict or making peace.
Christians
Muslims
History
The Yoruba and Igbo tribes which are predominantly Christian have had many conflicts with the Hausa and Fulani tribes which are predominantly Muslim. In 2001, Goodluck Jonathan (a Christian) was voted as president. Soon afterward, riots started over rumors that the voting process was rigged.
Discussion Questions
1. What are the historical origins of difference and conflict within Nigeria? Goodluck Jonathan's supposed rigged ascendence into presidency caused much controversy between the Muslim Hausa and Fulani tribes and the Christian Yoruba and Igbo tribes.
2. How were domestic religious forces and identities involved? The 2001 election was held under scrutiny because section 10 of the Nigerian Constitution stated that no state could have a state religion.
3. How do issues of sharia, indigeneity, and the census intersect with religion? The implementation of sharia upset many Christians. Sharia is an Islamic government system that was adopted by many Nigerian states.
4. Are international influences important in exacerbating or resolving tension? There is little international influence in either creating conflict or making peace.