Reconciliation And Peace Are Fundamental Elements For Development And Social Stability In Nebe

Abstract

One of the major challenges we continue to face at the close of the twentieth century is the achievement of genuine reconciliation and lasting w orld peace. In the past, the effects of war were limited, but today our potential for destructi on is beyond imagination. In many parts of the world, local and regional conflicts are causing mis ery to millions, and have potentially far- reaching global consequences (Michael Henderson, 19 94). Kenya, especially during the political crisis in 2007/2008 has not been an exception to th e above phenomenon. In conflict situations, victims and survivors do n ot forget what has happened to them. If their experiences remain unaddressed and are allowed to f ester, they will have catastrophic consequences in the future. Attempts to evade the r eality of those who have suffered hideously in the past set the stage for those memories to boil o ver in violent response to the immediate present; even worse, the memory of these grotesque realities are passed on to succeeding generations and become a mythology which will suppo rt equally hideous reaction in the future.

Unless conflicts are faced as a part of a complete reality, sooner or later memories are acted upon. As the Final Report of the South African Trut h Reconciliation Commission (TRC) points out, ‘Reconciliation is a process which is never-en ding, costly, and often painful. For the process to develop, it is imperative that democracy and a h uman rights culture be consolidated. Reconciliation is centered on the call for a more d ecent, more caring, and more just society. It is therefore, a responsibility of each one of us in th e society to respond by committing ourselves to concrete ways of easing the burden of the oppressed and empowering the poor to play their rightful part in society.’