INDIGENOUS CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN WEST AFRICA: LESSONS FROM BEL-SHO AND ZARAZONG COMMUNITIES

• Ndabula, Caroline Christopher

Abstract

This paper investigates the role of indigenous conflict management (ICM) mechanisms in addressing unconventional armed conflicts and insecurity in West Africa, using a comparative analysis of the Zarazong and Sho communities in Plateau State, Nigeria. Employing Structural Functionalism theory and mixed methods including interviews, focus group discussions, household surveys, and observation, the study found that while Bel-Sho experiences high levels of militarized violence, fractured inter-group relations, and over-reliance on state intervention, Zarazong demonstrates stronger internal cohesion, effective dialogue practices, and a functional blend of indigenous and formal security mechanisms. The paper argues that indigenous communities possess established conflict management mechanisms that, when functional and adequately institutionalized, can contribute to peace and stability, and that these mechanisms can be applied to complex modern armed conflicts such as terrorism through effective national and local collaborations. However, the failure to institutionalize and support ICM within national, regional, and international policy frameworks remains a critical gap. The study recommends restructuring traditional institutions, integrating indigenous models into conflict resolution frameworks, strengthening local capacity, and establishing legal integration and structured collaboration between traditional institutions and the state. The paper concludes that peace is most sustainably built when rooted at the grassroots, where conflict is first felt and where communities can act as first responders.

Keywords: Indigenous, Conflict Management and Indigenous Conflict Management