CONFLICT MANAGEMENT THROUGH LOCAL TRADITIONAL STRUCTURES

Abstract

The paper expounded on the role of local structures for conflict management in Sudan as well as providing highlights to the inner workings of the local traditional peace processes and their limitations to the management and resolving the Sudan’s north-south conflict hence the necessity of the IGAD peace process.  The paper concludes that while local Sudan peace processes were not able to stop a large conflict, they helped prevent small disputes from escalating into larger conflicts. However, Local conflict management’s potential effectiveness was diminished where traditional authority had eroded and armed authority had increased. This is so simply because these trends run counter to traditional values and ways of social organization, including those of handling conflict. Desktop literature review was conducted. Critical analysis of the literature was conducted.

Key words: Conflict management, traditional structures, IGAD