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CHAPTER TEN
REACTIVE NON-VIOLENT MECHANISMS
These are nonviolent approaches to resolve or intervene in conflict after they have 
manifested. It is a known fact that sometimes there could be differences in families, clans, groups 
or communities which could result into quarrels and sometimes fights; when this happens there 
are peaceful methods employed by such societies to resolve the dispute, ensure forgiveness, restore 
normalcy and ensure reconciliation between the offenders and those offended. These methods 
which are basically nonviolent include brokerage, mediation, conciliation, arbitration e.t.c.
(Best, 2006) The reactive mechanisms are those steps taken to ensure that peace is restored 
back in the society and further conflict is prevented. 
Due to the diverse religious and cultural practices in Africa, different approaches to resolve 
conflict and build peace are employed depending on the traditional setting. It should however be 
noted that the traditional setting not withstanding these processes are always owned by the people 
and central to the community and not just about few people or a person. Best (2006) stressed two 
grouping of traditional setting to illustrate different approaches to peaceful resolution of conflicts 
in Africa. One that is characterized by consolidated authority or supreme kings and the other 
characterized by an egalitarian political system. 
The setting characterized by consolidated authority or supreme kings gives opportunity to 
powerful leaders to resolve conflict in a manner comparable to judicial arbitration using customs 
and traditions as norms centered on the people. Unlike the western judicial arbitration this process 
is owned by the community and is not in any way adversarial. 
The setting characterized by an egalitarian political system provides neutral setting that is 
usually influenced by spiritual dimensions. The believe in the gods and veneration of ancestors is 
central to both settings.