Conflict, Culture and Modernity: Hybridizing Traditional and Western Models of Peace-Building in Africa

Abstract

This paper begins with a world-view definition of conflict resolution contextualized in the African setting. It argues that societies see conflict differently and, therefore, they innovate in their ways on how to resolve conflicts. Though there is no single definition of indigenous knowledge, the term has to do with people and what they know and do. This paper insists on the need for indigenous knowledge as an integral instrument for conflict resolution and peace-building. It gives some examples of the Indigenous methods for dispute resolution as practiced by some African societies. It points out that the many ethnic groups in Africa have evolved devices of resolving societal conflicts, but concludes that colonial and post-colonial structures have affected the traditional institutions. Hence, there is a need for reviving and mixing traditional and modern systems for conflict resolution.