Efficacy of existing conflict management strategies in addressing inter-ethnic conflict between the Dinka and Nuer refugees in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya

Justus Wamalwa Juma; Kennedy Onkware; Michael Sitawa

doi:10.51867/AQSSR.3.3.102

Authors

Justus Wamalwa Juma Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0590-9809
Kennedy Onkware Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8034-1961
Michael Sitawa National Intelligence Services University of Kenya, Kenya Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6577-104X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/AQSSR.3.3.102

Keywords:

Conflict Management Strategies, Dinka, Inter Ethnic Conflict, Kakuma, Nuer, Refugees

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of conflict management strategies in resolving the persistent inter-ethnic conflict between the refugees from Dinka and Nuer community in Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kalobeyei Settlement, Kenya. The study was descriptive and evaluative research designs under the Conflict transformation theory and interpretivist approach. The target groups included Dinka and Nuer refugees, community leaders, peace practitioners, religious leaders, government security forces, humanitarian organisations and other stakeholders in conflict management in Kakuma and Kalobeyei. The sample population of 384 participants was obtained through stratified random sampling, purposive sampling and simple random sampling techniques. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) for quantitative data and thematic data analysis (coding, categorisation, developing themes) for qualitative data. It was found that inter-ethnic conflicts continue as a result of fear, insecurity, trauma and youth violence, competition for limited resources and historical grievances from South Sudan. Mistrust, lack of resources, institutional capacity, cultural barriers and low youth participation were all challenges for the efficacy of traditional mediation, peace committees, dialogue forums, security interventions, and psychosocial support and youth empowerment, all of which led to better community cohesion (73%) and trust (66%). The research findings show that, sustainable peace is dependent on coordinated, inclusive, long-term approaches to conflict management, which address conflict root causes, resource allocation justice, enhance trust and involve youth in peacebuilding. The study recommends that youth should be more involved in Peacebuilding by having them in decision making, leadership and peace committees, as well as youth mentorship, leadership development and peer mediation programmes. It also calls for better coordination between humanitarian actors, government bodies and community actors in the form of joint planning, frequent and regular coordination and information sharing processes to improve efficiency of conflict management coordination processes.

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