International Journal of School and Cognitive Psychology
Open Access

Abstract

Conflicts, Conflict Resolution Practices and Impacts of the War in South Sudan

Belay Tefera K*

Despite the homogenizing effect of human "civilization", Africa is as yet a continent replete with its own distinct tradition of conflict and conflict resolution mechanisms. It is, however, unfortunate that many African nations have gone through a host of armed conflicts that could possibly cast shadows on such traditions because targeting ordinary people and their way life is the modus operandi of most modern war. This research has attempted to document on the nature of conflict, their settlement, and impacts of the warin South Sudan. Data were collected from 11 counties in South Sudan through key informant interviews, FGDs, and interview with community representatives. Findings indicated that traditional methods that involved mediation by the elderly, community chiefs and spiritual leaders were employed in conflict resolutions. Negotiation, compensation, forgiveness, and reconciliation were employed as conflict resolution mechanisms and were found to be powerful and effective methods. However, it was observed that during the war the military was involved in resolving conflicts. Moreover, the roles of community chiefs and elderly people were extended to recruiting soldiers and blessing the recruits, respectively. This changed practice coupled with other war-induced threats appeared to undermine the credibility of traditional methods as healers of the wounds of people in conflict. State courts were also increasingly involved in settling disputes inmore recent years along with the traditional or local courts. Evidences suggested that the effectiveness of traditional methods was decreasing and yet state courts were only emerging. There was, therefore, a kind of power vacuum in conflict management at the moment and this could even further escalate conflict and crime rates.