The Role Of Informal Intercommunal Dialogue On Sustainable Conflict Management In The Ilemi Triangle

Abstract

Peace continues to be elusive in the Ilemi Triangle, which is located at the intersection of Ethiopia, Kenya and South Sudan. This study focused on the Dassanech and Turkana communities due to the increased frequency and intensity of violent conflicts between them. Drawing from the Systems Theory, the study explored how the local social organising through intercommunal dialogue impacts on how people respond to the conflict. Using qualitative case study methods, the study involved in-depth interviews with members of the Dassanech and Turkana communities who were purposively selected to include different members of the community structure who engage in intercommunal dialogue. These in-depth interviews were supplemented by focus group discussions (FGD) of participants through quota sampling. Each FGD had members who were immediately affected by the conflict from four kraals/kebele on either side of the conflict line. The data was subjected to a thematic analysis and organised into themes and sub-themes, from which patterns were identified and used for further research and reporting. There is compelling evidence these communities are familiar with each other, and during peacetime the acquaintance is characterized by friendship, visitation, and economic activity, which can facilitate and be a catalyst to sustainable conflict management.