Traditional Institutions and Firearms in Africa: The Politics and Historiography of Small Arms and Conflict Management

Abstract

Traditional institutions in Africa have played a key role in spread and use of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs)—in the conduct wars and consolidation of their hegemony over vast territories—especially during the pre-colonial period. In the post-colonial era, however, African chiefs have transformed into agents of conflict resolution and disarmament. Often using age-hallowed cultures and values, traditional rulers mediate between warring parties to lay down their arms to embrace peace and reconciliation for the stability of the social order. The chapter examines the contribution of the traditional institutions in arms control particularly in civil wars, communal violence and incendiary conflicts across the continent. The chapter argues that African states should consider the traditional (and modern) institutions for managing conflict and controlling the illicit proliferation of SALWs which are used in perpetuating violence on the continent. The chapter notes that, as a result of the introduction of democratic principles in most parts of Africa, traditional institutions have been relegated in terms of governance and administration. The chapter makes a case for paradigm shift to grant room for traditional rulers to participate actively in the control of illicit arms and conflict management. To restore the glory of traditional institutions, it is argued that African countries should consider hybrid institutions-building that allows room for both traditional agencies and modern democratic institutions to complement each other in providing sustainable mechanism for conflict management, dispute resolution, and management of armed conflict in the continent.