CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION TRAINING By: HELEN NAMBALIRWA NKABALA MAKERERE UNIVERSITY UGANDA.

Introduction: Basic terms and concepts Can we talk about Conflict Transformation without understanding what conflict is? What is the word Conflict in your indigenous language? How best would you define Conflict? What is the opposite of Conflict?

Defining Conflict Note: There is no Single definition for Conflict. i.e. It is defined depending on The type Causes contexts

Conflcit Cont’d Kriesberg (2002) defines a social conflict as a situation when two or more persons or groups manifest the belief that they have incompatible objectives. Dean and Kim (2004) conflict means perceived divergence of interest or a belief that the parties’ current aspirations cannot be achieved simultaneously”. Woodhouse and Miall (2005) the term conflict refers to pursuit of incompatible goals by different groups. Galtung (1969), conflicts occur when a ‘structural’, ‘direct’ or ‘cultural’ violence is prevalent. Burton (1990) refers to conflict as something about issues that involve deep-rooted human needs.

Key Concepts Conflict Management –activities undertaken to limit, mitigate and contain open conflict. Conflict Prevention (or Crisis Prevention) –efforts are being made to stop manifested violence. Conflict Resolution –used when the causes of conflict are addressed. Conflict Settlement –the process of achieving an agreement between the conflict parties which enables them to end a violent conflict without addressing root causes. Conflict Transformation –It is a generic, comprehensive term referring to actions and processes which seek to alter the various characteristics and manifestations of conflict by addressing the root causes of a particular conflict over the long term. Peace building – This is a generic term used to cover all activities intended to encourage and promote peaceful relations and overcoming violence.

Differences Unpacked LATENT CONFLICT SURFACE CONFLICT OPEN CONFLICT CONFLICT PREVENTION CONFLICT SETTLEMENT CONFLICT MANAGEMENT CONFLICT RESOLUTION CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION

Why Focus on Conflcit Transformation? Our focus is informed by the fact that Conflict transformation incorporates the activities and processes of Conflict Prevention and Conflict Resolution and goes farther than Conflict Settlement or Conflict Management.

Understanding Root Causes of conflicts: By Nature, Conflicts are: multi-dimensional Have multi-causal phenomena structural causes proximate causes Triggers Eg. Assassination of a leader

Classification of Conflicts on the Basis of Form by Christopher Moore Structural conflict: due to existing inequalities and discriminations rooted in a social, economic or political structure. Ideological/theoretical conflicts: The cause of such conflicts is incompatible ideologies and values which can be political, cultural, religious or whatsoever. Relational conflict: Conflict caused by misunderstandings, misconceptions, lack of communication, misinterpretation of the opponents. Data conflict: Caused by disagreement over published facts and data. Interest conflict: Caused by incompatible goals of the parties or differences in the interests.

Classification of Conflicts on the Basis of Origin According to the International Humanitarian Law (IHL), conflicts are divided into the following three categories. International armed conflicts: Armed conflicts between two or more than two countries. e.g.. India China war, India Pakistan War, US Vietnam war Internationalized non-international armed conflicts: Interstate armed conflict where another state helps the insurgent groups. eg. Armed conflict inside Syria Non-international armed conflicts: Interstate wars, e.g. the Civil war of Nepal How best would we categorize the Conflict in South Sudan?

Conflict stages/cycle/processes

Practical Execrcise