Communication and conflict: a case study of indigenous mechanisms of conflict resolution among the Mijikenda

Abstract

For a long time, Africa has been saddled and bogged down by intermittent conflicts both within and between its states. From Algeria to Sierra Leone, Liberia to Sudan, the Horn, East and Central Africa and the Great Lakes Region armed conflicts are increasing and are almost exclusively within rather than between states. Even countries that were once regarded as island of peace and tranquility such as Ivory Coast have fallen victims of the escalating armed conflicts in Africa. In these conflict scenarios, poorer and more marginalized people are the principal victims rather than members of the armed forces. In addition to death and wanton destruction that it brings in its wake, the conflicts also contribute to displacement and disruption oflivelihoods of the poor people. Grassroots leadership has been largely ignored, but ordinary individuals in the community continue to playa role in addressing conflicts on a daily basis. How can this valuable resource and knowledge be shared with others? Sustainable peace requires exploration of indigenous conflict resolution processes traditionally used by communities who have experienced conflict and warfare, and are rebuilding their country. Cultural identity and traditional values are reflected in these traditional methods. With a focus on the Mijikenda people of the Kenya Coast, the paper will identify traditional conflict resolution methods that were used by the Mijikenda people and discuss how they can be effectively used to resolve conflicts at home, work and community. The cultural diversity among the nine tribes of the Mijikenda community makes it an excellent case study to examine appropriate methods of conflict resolution, and their increasing importance in addressing cross-cultural conflicts. This paper also discusses the issue of Communication and conflict, and more intensively the indigenous mechanisms of conflict resolution in Africa. It also looks at the role played by traditional communications in conflict resolution and the use of effective communication in conflict resolution. On the basis of this discussion, a number of conclusions and recommendations are proposed on issues about communication and conflict, specifically on the use of indigenous methods of conflict resolution.