Introduction

From June 27^th to July 1^st 2000, Center for Conflict Resolution (CECORE) held a Validation Workshop at Imperial Botanical Beach Hotel in Entebbe, Uganda. The aim of the workshop was to critically examine and discuss the research findings on African Traditional Methods, Experiences and Best Practices in Peace-Building and the role-played by the Media in Conflict Resolution. In the opening session, CECORE ‘s Administrative Officer, Rose Othieno briefly highlighted the organization ‘s objectives in promoting a culture of peace and tolerance and conveyed the Executive Director (Stella Sabiiti)’s greetings and apologies for not attending the workshop due to her appointment by the OAU Secretary General to monitor the parliamentary elections in Zimbabwe.

 Ambassador Betheul Kiplagat in his key-note address, categorized Africa ‘s conflicts into four types namely; Inter-State and Intra-State Conflicts, Cattle Rustling and General banditry caused by border tensions, religious zealotry, ethnic mistrust, unequal access to power and resources and inadequate state structures. The Ambassador stressed the need to be pragmatic other than dogmatic allowing a diversity of views and ideas in the process of conflict resolution, encouraging dialogue as a tool in peace-making and a need to check and re-check any information passed out by the press or any intelligence system that could trigger off or exacerbate conflicts. USAID’s Project manager, Yves Kore also gave a brief background of the Greater Horn of Africa Initiative (GHAI), which gives grants to organizations involved in the spheres of Food Security, Conflict Management and Institutional Strengthening activities. 

Bishop Macleod Baker Ochola II of Kitgum Northern Uganda, gave the closing remarks on behalf of all participants at the workshop, thanking CECORE for organizing such an educative workshop that delved in depth on the importance of positive African Traditional Methods and the Role of the Media in Peace-building and urged all participants to support these methods as alternative means to Peace-building. Dr. Mohammed Ndaula of UHRC further emphasized peace as a human right for everyone and encouraged participants to prioritise it as a way forward for Africa. 

President Amos Sawyer, former Head of state of Liberia and the Head of the Mission of the OAU observer Team to the Parliamentary Elections in Zimbabwe, also sent his greetings to all the participants and revealed that the workshop was a timely event in line with the objectives of the OAU’s mechanisms for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution.

African Traditional Methods 

Different research findings on African Traditional Methods from selected areas of the region explored various traditional approaches to conflict resolution. The data focused on particular tribes in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania and also analysed the traditional court system of the Banyarwanda of Rwanda. The findings put into consideration the unique African Culture that emphasizes the resolving of conflicts amicably through elders, traditional leaders healing and reconciliation rituals.

 The paper covered the following;

Conflict Resolution among the Pokot and Masai in Kenya
Conflict Resolution among the Acholi and Karamajong in Uganda
Conflict Resolution among the Banyarwanda in Rwanda
Conflict Resolution among the Wamakua, Wamwera, Wamakonde and Wayao in Tanzania

After the presentations were made participants were given time to react to the data collected. Below are some of the questions that were raised.

1. To what extent is traditional Media like song, drama and dance used in Solving conflict?
2. It has been noted that African traditional methods are active within the common settings of the society, but how can they be accepted and used in government circles so that they may not be overlooked?
3. To what extent have traditional methods amongst the Pokot and Karamojong been used to curb conflicts amongst those tribes?
4. In the Western world man is believed to be by nature evil, what is the notion of African philosophy towards human nature?
5. Are there studies done on African counseling?
6. Is all conflict destructive or is there conflict that is constructive?
7. Food and brew have been pointed out as elements that complete the process of reconciliation. What role do they play?
8. What is the role of women in this Conflict Resolution mechanism, because in Africa women are seen to be marginalized?
9. How do we relate African traditional methods with the society today? For today we have states and national legislation. How does one relate these methods to the current legal situation?
10. How do we compromise traditional conflict resolution with the Christian beliefs of understanding conflict resolution?

Participants discovered the importance of African traditional methods and noticed that one cannot dispense with these traditional approaches any more because they embody a lot of African cultures that show that Africans also used to counsel and resolve conflict peacefully.

Participants noted that the return to African Traditional Methods needed more information and dissemination of the needs of alternatives because African Traditional Methods brought about total reconciliation and healing.

The workshop agreed that African Traditional Methods promoted image and self-esteem of the people involved.

Participants noted the lack of respect for elders due to lack of information amongst the youth on the role played by the elders in society. They advocated for the re-installation of these traditional approaches and the sensitisation of the youth on the role and significance of elders.

The workshop noted some factors like poverty that relegate elders into the background.

Participants agreed that African Traditional Methods were not primitive at all. In fact they acknowledged the importance of African Traditional Methods in solving problems in society and encouraged the public to believe in the positive traditional approaches to peace building.

Participants also noted that African Traditional Methods worked differently in different cultural settings but with this urbanization era, participants recommended the adoption of African Traditional Methods in a multi-cultural society. More work needs to be done in this area, especially as modern conflict across tribal and indeed national boundaries.

Significant Players Identified in This Field of African Traditional Methods

Religious leaders were identified to play an important role in African traditional methods.

The Police and the armed forces

Policy makers, the government and those involved in making modern law

The youth, especially those involved in cattle rustling

The rest of the community

Recommendations on African Traditional Methods

1. The workshop further recognized the need to incorporate traditional approaches in the African legal system as a positive step in re-instating people’s confidence in African Traditional Methods.
2. Participants felt the need to strengthen, research and disseminate information from elders before it dies out when they pass away.
3. The workshop recognized the re-orientation towards authentic African arts and the need to look at our African culture through music, dance, songs and folklore for piece building.
4. The workshop advocated for the integration of positive African traditional approaches in the school curriculum and the restoration of ethics and values in institutions of learning.
5. Participants recommended everyone to lobby for African traditional methods because these methods are simple, flexible and easy to understand and apply. They are also not expensive.
6. The workshop also recognized the need to sensitise and educate the youth on African Traditional Methods, and the importance of elders in our society.

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