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Indigenous knowledge

Peace building and transformation from below: indigenous approaches to conflict resolution and reconciliation among the pastoral societies in the borderlands of Eastern Africa.

Indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms among East African pastoralists: what role should it play?

Authors: J. Osamba
Publisher: African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes , 2001

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This article explores the conflict and conflict resolution among East African pastoralists and the role of indigenous conflict resolution processes and mechanisms.

The article finds that:

  • violence among the pastoral communities in the borderlands of Eastern Africa has escalated to such an extent that governments seem to be unable to contain the conflict
  • more is needed than efforts by states to restore law and order
  • if these conflicts are to be dealt with effectively, more will also be needed than western methods of conflict resolution. Traditional customs and values have to be utilised. Marginalised indigenous ways of approaching and resolving conflict have to be explored and utilised
  • the application of indigenous conflict resolution methods may result in a wider involvement of the communities concerned, which may contribute substantially to the actual resolution of conflicts and to real reconciliation