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UNDERSTANDING 
TRADITIONAL 
CONFLICT 
RESOLUTION 
AND 
PEACEBUILDING PROCESSES. 
African traditional conflict resolution and Peacebuilding processes are also social and 
educational processes in that they provide opportunity to the younger generation in the society to 
learn the process and value of nonviolence which will continue in generations to come. They are 
usually open ceremonies. In terms of processes, sessions of conflict resolution in Africa combine 
many methods together which take into account the community's daily activities and' gathering. 

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They usually start by consultation, invitation of parties, and preparation of materials for ritual 
ceremonies e.t.c. (Best,2006). 
The selection of mediators is usually based on traditional and customary values recognized 
to elders who are considered to be wiser. Elders are respected as trust worthy mediators all over 
Africa because of their rich and versatile experiences and wisdom. The roles of these elders depend 
on traditions, circumstances and personalities accordingly. Behavior used by the elders is 
facilitation through clarifying information, promoting clear communication, and interpreting 
standpoint, summarizing discussions, emphasizing relevant norms and values among others. Their 
entire approach is usually friendly, flexible and dynamic. Ineba Bob-manuel (2000) emphasized 
that because these processes have no predetermined model, the mediators are entitled to change 
their roles from time to erne as they perceive needs at various times.
As the ceremony proceeds, the good climate is made friendly through diverse methods of 
ice breaking, such as words of wisdom, songs, and jokes. The essence of such icebreaking session 
is to emphasize nonviolence as a better and preferable way of resolving conflict. When the 
conducive atmosphere is created, disputants are then -called upon to present their cases. The 
constituencies of the parties are usually respected. If a party feels insecure and acts unassertively, 
the mediators help by making such a party realize that they would be impartial (Brotkutne, 2001). 
The verdict given by elders at the end of the session usually projects more the community 
solidarity and nonviolence between parties rather than the individual (Best, 2006). It is also 
characterized by consideration of the social importance of conflict solving as social relations and 
internal solidarity are crucial. At the end parties are required to make concessions to make a fair 
exchange for public recognition. When agreements are finally reached the good news is shared 
with groups and communities concerned. It henceforth becomes the role of the society to ensure 
that agreements made by parties are implemented and peace is sustained (Ineba Bob-mnanuel, 
2000). 
In most traditional African societies the fear of sorcery or divine punishment are used to 
show what breach of peace would bring upon the parties or conflicting societies. Taboos are also 
used to prevent reoccurrence of violence especially as it affects the environment and social abuses 
such as rape, stealing and murder.
In a nutshell, the