Non-Governmental Organizations Management of Intercommunal Conflicts through Dialogue in Marsabit County: Case of Concern Worldwide (1991-2013)
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Date
2024-01
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Dialogue is important as humans are in constant communication with one another. As
the world currently witnesses violent conflicts, how we respond to them is an
infinitely important matter for human coexistence. We have the responsibility to
respond with fear, hatred, and violence or with open-mindedness, acceptance, and
understanding. If trauma and conflict increase, then peace goes under the fraction line
and becomes negative peace (Galtung, 2012). This thesis discusses dialogue as a tool
in peacebuilding. The statement of the problem raises the need for knowledge of what
dialogue means, the goal is to examine the efforts made by Concern Worldwide to
promote peace in Marsabit county, including identifying specific initiatives taken and
analyzing the organization's role in managing inter-community conflicts in the area
and finally to find out the challenges faced by Concern Worldwide in its efforts to
manage inter-communal conflict in Marsabit county. This thesis argues that change
and cooperation are possible effects of dialogue rather than integral parts of dialogue
as a form of communication. The study was grounded in John Paul Lederach's theory
(2005), and additional empirical literature was examined in this section. The survey
used a descriptive research construct utilizing questionnaires and an interview guide.
The data obtained was analyzed utilizing a qualitative process that deals with
empirical statistics or potentially verifiable data obtained. Qualitative data was
gathered using open-ended questionnaires, and in cases where respondents were
illiterate, interviews were conducted. The information gathered was interpreted
objectively. Primary and secondary sources were utilized to collect the data. The key
findings were summarized from the statistics collected in the survey. This enabled the
researcher to make conclusions and even make recommendations in keeping with the
results. The survey disclosed that even though competition for resources is frequently
quoted as the reason for violent fight in Marsabit County, evidence in regard to this
survey show that conflict in Marsabit is now more complicated than anyone can
imagine. The system of wars in this locality is dynamic. Concern Worldwide
intervention techniques have had Joint Community Peace Resolution interest.
Community leaders and security officials facilitated and coordinated peace
committees from time to time. Findings revealed that the original pastoralist traditions
and cultures that call for the resolution of conflict amicably by use of elders, dialogue,
and some old-fashioned rituals have gradually been shelved. Peace resolutions
between the concerned communities have mostly depended on the availability of
pasture and water and are completely tied to a win-win situation. The survey also
came up with other suggestions such as investment in creating awareness and
elevation of peace as well as training the indigenous communities and sensitization on
conflict and illegal arms. Dialogue can be a sustainable tool in peacebuilding as it can
contribute to adaptability, as defined by Lederach.
Description
A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences of Kenyatta University, January 2024.
Supervisors
1. Pius Kakai
2.Henry Mwanzi