BEYOND WESTERN PARADIGMS: INDIGENOUS AFRICAN APPROACHES TO CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND SOCIAL COHESION
| dc.contributor.author | AKANNI, Waliyu Oladotun | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-05-17T09:04:28Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-05-17T09:04:28Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2026-05 | |
| dc.description.abstract | This study examines indigenous African conflict resolution mechanisms with a view to highlighting their philosophical foundations, procedural dynamics, and contemporary relevance. Drawing on qualitative and doctrinal analysis of existing literature, the paper argues that traditional African societies developed robust, culturally embedded systems for managing disputes long before colonial intervention. These systems—ranging from mediation, adjudication, negotiation, diplomacy, conciliation, to consensus-building—are deeply rooted in communal values, spirituality, and restorative justice principles. The study demonstrates that indigenous mechanisms prioritize reconciliation, social harmony, and long-term relationship preservation over adversarial outcomes of retributive justice. The paper further explores specific examples across African societies, including Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo traditions in Nigeria, illustrating how oral traditions such as proverbs, folktales, wise sayings and rituals serve as instruments of peacebuilding and social control. Despite their effectiveness, the study identifies critical limitations, including a lack of formal legal recognition, gender exclusion, generational decline in interest, and procedural informality. The findings suggest that while modern conflict resolution frameworks in Africa often rely heavily on external models, indigenous systems offer contextually relevant, cost-effective, and sustainable alternatives. The paper concludes that integrating traditional mechanisms with formal legal systems could enhance peacebuilding efforts across the continent. It recommends policy reforms, institutional recognition, and inclusive restructuring to strengthen the applicability of indigenous conflict resolution systems in contemporary Africa. Key Words: Traditional Mechanism, Indigenous System, Conflict, African, Nigeria | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Self-Sponsor | |
| dc.identifier.citation | AKanni, W.O. (2026). Beyond Western Paradigms: Indigenous African Approaches To Conflict Resolution And Social Cohesion.International Journal of Management, Social Sciences, Peace and Conflict Studies, (9)1 | |
| dc.identifier.issn | 2682 6127 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://kwasuspace.kwasu.edu.ng/handle/123456789/7287 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Enugu State (ESUT) | |
| dc.relation.ispartofseries | 9; 1 | |
| dc.title | BEYOND WESTERN PARADIGMS: INDIGENOUS AFRICAN APPROACHES TO CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND SOCIAL COHESION | |
| dc.type | Article |