How to incorporate unique background into essays and apps?

You would definitely be considered an underrepresented minority even though you are not from the US. Where are you from, anyways? I was born here but my family is from Cameroon. While I wouldn't say that there is a "minority boost," I will say that schools value diversity and are seeking to increase the minority representation. However, this doesn't mean that checking the box gives you an automatic in. You're still up against stiff competition. Have you thought about applying through the Consortium?

Can't you just bring this up when introducing the setting/background for a leadership or teamwork story within one of your essays?

I would think that a couple sentences that incorporate the unique setting that you're in would quickly grab the reader's attention.

So instead of just saying that you led a team to do XYZ, you should also explain the war torn environment that you were in and what effect it had on that situation.

Dig really deep to understand whether (and how) growing up in a war-torn environment has shaped your character and personality.

I grew up in the inner city where there were lots of gangs, drugs, and poverty. I spent most of my life unconscious of how that shaped my character. It really wasn't until I started reflecting on that period of my development (in high school and college) that I realized most of my personality can be attributed to what I experienced.

One of the main benefits of the MBA application, whether you get in to a place you want to attend or not, is the opportunity to reflect. Do yourself a favor and dig really deep to explore your personality, your character, and your motivations to understand yourself. Reflection is not something people are normally in the habit of doing - take advantage of this opportunity.