Group conflict and peaceful resolution: An overview of alternative dispute resolution in kenya.

Abstract

Human beings have a deep seated universal need that desires to promote and protect relationship and when these needs are obstructed or thwarted conflict will always arise. The history of human conflict suggests that man has not evolved much beyond his primitive ancestors. Everywhere we look we see conflict. Again history has shown that the cause of conflict is the summering injustice that can not be hidden anymore. The arrangement of society into groups of either ethnicity or race has never been a source of conflict but the politicisation of the ethnicity or race has always led to conflict. Africa is the best known for group conflict in terms of tribal or racial or religious conflict. The conflict leads to militarization of society and replacement of the rule of law to guns, brutal force which though uncalled for presents an opportunity for peaceful resolution. It is easy to assume that when all aspect of justice are put in place the society will be non violet or tolerant. However the emerging consensus is that understanding the cause, dynamics complexity of conflict in Africa society is important because it would potentially provide indicators and strategies on how to respond to particular conflict situations and the potential to manage and resolve conflict and build lasting peace. This process of peace making has to work through conflict to ensure there is sustainable solution rather that a superficial polite behaviour or uneasy or fragile truce. The mechanism of alternative dispute resolution in Kenya resolution are such that they create truth telling where integrity is earned and anxiety managed and as a result people begin to feel a sense of relief and are able to talk once again after unexpected and harsh skirmishes and group conflicts. BACKGROUND Kenya as a country experiences peace and stability because she recognized early that peace and stability are crucial to economic development. Having struggled for independence from the British in 1963 she resolved through a common understanding that peaceful coexistence was the best way of life. There has been a common feeling from then by the neighbours that it was the example to follow in terms of peace. Unlike its neighbours who endured a military regime after colonisation Kenya enjoyed peace within and without As an oasis of peace and stability neighbours have had assistance in their attempt to resolve the disputes that have arisen from within or without their borders. Example include in 1964 president Kenyatta who was the Organisation on African Union successfully made efforts to Group Conflict and Peaceful Resolution: An overview of ADR in Kenya 3 salvage hostage by peaceful means and negotiation. Mter Angola independence the two major parties failed to agree on power sharing and again Jomo Kenyatta attempted to reconcile the group the leaders by holding a meeting in Kenya. In 1989 Mozambique called upon Kenya to negotiate a solution to their problem President Moi made an appeal to the RENAMO group of that country to agree with president Chissano. In 1993 there was a successful start of resolution of conflict process in Sudan and lately in Somalia though there is still a long way to go. Other examples include conflict between Uganda and Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia which were a major concern for Kenya.