“I am because you are”: traditional ruler-ship institutions and alternative dispute resolution in Africa

Abstract

ABSTRACT Post-colonial Africa has played host to different kinds of conflict throughout its chequered history. Unfortunately, the continent’s modern institutions of conflict resolution have failed to intercept most of the disputes, leading to renewed calls for traditional institutions to go into conflict mediation strategies. While many studies have interrogated the nexus between traditional institutions and conflict, few examined the institutional involvement of traditional rulers in external peace support as an alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Most disputes occur within local communities rather than urban spaces, enlisting traditional rulers who are closer to the people, in resolution efforts is key to settlement. It posits that traditional ruler-ship institutions should be at the core of ADR in Africa given their inherent ability to negotiate, mediate, unite, reconcile and settle community disturbances. The paper observes politicization and corruption within the institution as plausible explanation for the disconnection between past successes and the inadequacies of today. Relying on a systematic analysis of relevant literature and the analytical strengths of the Ubuntu philosophy, the article concludes that for traditional rulers to be effective in the ADR framework, they must place community peace and cohesion over personal interests in conflict mediation.