Ibrahim, B.O.2018-07-042018-07-04200997836284-1-0http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/831By state formation we mean the process by which hitherto distinctive and autonomous peoples and cultures were incorporated into a multi-national state to achieve higher levels of mutual trust, cooperation and inter-dcpendence, shared values, common identity and national consciousness. Therefore, we view state formation not only as a historical process, but also as amatterof degree, something to be achieved in stages. It also follows that at any given time, integration in a plural society is not an all or nothing affairs, but a progressive compromise between integration of the whole and autonomy of the parts. The process adopted by many African countries to achieve some level of togetherness over the years is die subject of this chapteren-USState formationAutonomous peoplesMutual trustIntegrationBook chapter