Across much of the African continent religious strife between Muslims and Christians is seemingly rife. The recent bloodshed between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria, the decades-long war in Darfur, the opposition between a Muslim north and Christian south in Ivory Coast, are but a few examples. While often these conflicts are simplified as religious wars, Africa experts reveal a more complex picture that has little to do with faith, and much to do with how religion is intertwined with political, economic, and tribal factors.

Mustafa Ali, secretary-general of The African Council of Religious Leaders, based in Kenya, says that while religion is very important to the lives of most Africans, different religions do not necessarily give rise to conflict.

Read the complete story (Some news sites require registration)