Indigenous Approaches to Conflict Resolution in Africa: A Study of the Barolong People of the North-West Province, South Africa

Abstract

Motivation: To highlight the role of indigenous conflict resolution initiatives and their significance in cases where state machinery is inadequate, inaccessible or unavailable.

Problem Statement: The ubiquitous and recurrent nature of conflicts in Africa implicates the need to search for alternative mechanisms for managing and resolving such conflicts beyond the purview of the Western adversarial model.

Approach: This study considers a number of empirical outcomes from indigenous conflict resolution models among the Barolong people of the North-West Province, South Africa, and how they have helped in managing and/or resolving conflicts within and among their communal groups.

Results: The practices among the Barolong people have often constructively dealt with conflicts so that social life, livelihoods and communal harmony can continue or be restored.

Conclusions: While the Barolong customary conflict resolution models may have some limitations, it nonetheless has the potential to productively resolve local conflicts, especially in remote areas where state machinery is inadequate, inaccessible or unavailable. Furthermore, the core principles of consensus-making, reintegration, and rebuilding relationships are valid far beyond the indigenous community examined, and may assist conflict resolution initiatives around the African continent.