Compatibility of endogenous conflict resolution practices with African democracies

Abstract

Endogenous Conflict resolution system as a practice within African societies is fast losing relevance and popularity despite the important roles that it has served since time immemorial. This approach to conflict resolution was largely nurtured by cultural and religious systems so much so that whatever conflict it addressed, the outcome would be culturally sustainable to parties involved. With the advent of modernity and contemporary governance systems, the olden practice is gradually being pushed to the periphery and losing relevance. The discussion is guided by the conceptual framework of perenialism, essentialism and experientalism, which all focus on sustainability of the practice according to a particular paradigm. The study was partly extracted from a longitudinal research on endogenous conflict resolution practices and complimented by a review of archival material. The study notes that while endogenous conflict resolution practices were handy, cultural and sustainable, the coming of new and modern approaches has rendered them irrelevant. Some of the endogenous principles are in modern democracies undermined as archaic, despotic and repressive. However, it has been realised that there continues to be systematic mergers of the old and new resolution approaches taking on board present day relevant and acceptable practices. Keywords: Endogenous, conflict resolution, democracy, governance, conflict