2. Background
Conflict
Conflict is an expressed struggle
between at least two
interdependent parties who
perceive incompatible goals,
scarce resources, and
interference from others in
achieving their goals.
A conflict is more than a mere
disagreement
Politics
Politics may be explained as the
practice and theory of influencing
other people. More narrowly, it
refers to achieving and exercising
positions of governance —
organized control over a human
community, particularly a state.
It could be formal or informal
Political Conflict
Political conflict may be
explained as an expressed
struggle by a community or group
arising out a perceived or actual
threat to their interests, or ability to
acquire and exercise governance
within a larger group or country.
Political conflicts escalates easily if
left unresolved
4. How does
political conflict
emerge?
FAULTY AMALGAMATION
OF GROUPS TO FORM A
NATION/SOCIETY
BREAKDOWN IN SOCIAL
CONTRACT AND
CORRUPTION
social contract is a
framework of rules that
governs state-society
relations and the
distribution of resources,
rights and responsibilities
in an organized society
WEAK STATE INSTITUTIONS
INEQUALITY, EXCLUSION
AND MARGINALIZATION
5. The actors are…
The essence of a political conflict lies in a
contradiction, adequately represented by the
concept of a “positional difference”
It presupposes the presence of at least two
entities/groups possessing intellectual capacity and
vision, capable of communication. Such an
entity/group is called an actor.
Major actors in political conflict include:
Countries Religious Groups
Individuals sharing a common Cultural Groups
ideology e.g. women rights group
6. How political conflict
affects the
economic, political,
social development
and lifestyles of the
affected persons.
HUMAN TOLL
POLITICAL GOVERNANCE
SOCIOECONOMIC COSTS
LEGACY OF LARGE SCALE
HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES
7. “
”
Political conflicts can be
resolved, transformed, and
transcended
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT STRATEGY TO ADDRESS POLITICAL CONFLICT
To do so requires design of a culturally adaptable conflict resolution
approach that integrate prejudice reduction, group facilitation, public
dialogue, collaborative negotiation, mediation, arbitration and
community building.
8. Role of
mediator
Mediation is a process where two or more
parties appoint a third-party neutral
(“Mediator”) to help them in a non-
binding dialog to resolve a dispute and/or
to conclude the terms of an agreement.
9. Functions of mediators in political
conflict
Convener - assist in contacting the other party(-ies) to arrange for an introductory meeting.
Educator - educates the parties about the mediation process, other conflict resolution alternatives
etc.
Communication Facilitator-seeks to ensure that each party is fully heard
Translator- can help by rephrasing or reframing communications so that they are better
understood and received.
Questioner and Clarifier- probes issues and confirms understandings
Process Advisor- to suggest procedures for making progress in mediation discussions e.g..
consultation with legal counsel
Catalyst-By offering options for considerations, stimulating new perspectives and offering
reference points for consideration, mediator serves as a stimulant for the parties reaching
agreement.
Responsible Detail Person-manages and keeps track of all necessary information, writes up the
parties' agreement, and may assist the parties to implement their agreement.
10. Ways & mechanisms of preventing
political conflict
Information gathering- Establishment of
information gathering centre. This centre
would be a first level centre for
complaint handling and information
gathering and analysis. A process or
system must be put in place that can
acquire information about the causes
and likely nature of the potential conflict
so that the appropriate preventive
action can be identified.
Develop platform for dialogue- This
would encourage discussion among
various cultural, religious, youth, gender
based, civil groups through their
mediators.
Building/Strengthening strong institutions-
Strong independent institutions like
courts and police free from government
interference that would build trust in fair
treatment in any political conflict.
Identify and train mediators- This involves
identification of people from various
groups that will be trained in mediation
and conflict resolution.
