Rethinking Conflict Resolution Strategies by Harnessing African Indigenous Mechanisms for Effective Psychosocial Wellbeing of Displaced Persons affected by protracted conflicts in Africa

Abstract

Conflict is an inevitable aspect of life as it happens in all families, communities, villages, tribes, countries, continents and the world at large. Conflict management and conflict resolution in indigenous African societies provided opportunity to interact with all parties concerned, it promoted consensus-building, social bridge reconstructions and enactment of order in the society. Mediation, adjudication, reconciliation, negotiation and cross examination, which were employed by Africans in the past in conflict resolution, offer great prospects for peaceful co-existence and harmonious relationships in post-conflict periods. Conflict resolution comprised a complex network of forces surrounding the parties in the conflict, who contribute positive energy for psychosocial wellbeing of affected persons. The task of conflict resolution was to bring back harmony between individuals, families and communities, often culminating in symbolic traditional rituals to eliminate any future reoccurrence. Acceptance and performance of rituals of reconciliation by both parties was an outward sign on inward grace that they will never engage into such conflicts again. Unfortunately in our societies today conflict between different parties seem to persist for long periods and often escalate to serious crises without any effective and efficient solutions. Conflict that we thought had come to an end often resurface and become more devastating with negative psychosocial implications than what had happened in the past. Modern conflicts reoccur and persist because resolution strategies are built on oppression, suppression and at times avoidance of one party in favour of another due to self-interest of mitigating authorities. It is therefore important to rethink effective conflict management and resolution mechanisms that will not only end the current conflict, but go a long way to prevent future conflicts and enhance the psychosocial wellbeing of the parties that have been affected by conflict.