Challenges and opportunities affecting the efficacy of conflict management strategies in addressing inter-ethnic conflict between Dinka and Nuer refugees in Kakuma refugee camp

Abstract

This study examined the challenges and opportunities affecting the efficacy of conflict management strategies in addressing inter-ethnic conflict between the Dinka and Nuer refugees in Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement, Kenya. The study has adopted a descriptive and evaluative research designs using a mixed-methods approach guided by the Structural Theory of Conflict of Johan Galtung and an interpretivist approach. 384 participants were sampled from the refugee communities and key stakeholder groups using stratified, purposive and snowball sampling. Structured questionnaires, Key Informant interviews, Focus group discussions, Documentary review and non-participant observation were used to gather data and provide triangulation of findings. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis of quantitative data and NVivo was used to analyze qualitative data thematically and with discourse analysis. The results identified the lack of trust in the mediators and peace structures (83%), inadequate resources for peace building activities (78%), perceived ethnic bias in leadership (74%), fear of retaliation (73%), cultural and traditional barriers (65%) as the main factors that limited the efforts of the conflict management. Other barriers were political interference, weak communication, institutional weaknesses, late response to conflict, spillover of conflict dynamics from South Sudan, and lack of involvement of women and youth in humanitarian access. Notwithstanding these difficulties, ongoing efforts, such as traditional mediation, peace committees, community dialogue, community policing, peace education, psychosocial support and youth empowerment programmes all offered space for building social cohesion and inter-ethnic relations. Results also revealed that such interventions helped build a sense of community cohesion and trust, but with limited resources and capacity, segregated practices and limited attention to underlying structural and historical grievances. The study concludes that sustainable conflict management cannot be limited to the control of overt violence, but must involve a restructuring of the conflict promoting structural, institutional, socio-economic and cultural conditions. The study calls for strengthening mediation and security institutions, resource equitability and transparency, inter-ethnic dialogue and reconciliation, the involvement of women and youth, and the strengthening of cooperation between government institutions, humanitarian actors, community leaders and refugee communities. This can enhance the effectiveness, reach and sustainability of conflict management approaches within the Dinka and Nuer refugee groups in Kakuma and Kalobeyei.