The Dynamics of Decision-Making Processes in Sustainable Conflict Management in the Ilemi Triangle

Abstract

Peace continues to be elusive in the Ilemi Triangle, which is located at the intersection of Ethiopia, Kenya and South Sudan, This study focused on the Dassanech and Turkana communities due to the increased frequency and intensity of violent conflicts between them. Drawing from Systems Theory, the study explored how the locan social organising through decision making processes iimpacts on how people respond to the conflict. Using qualitative case study methods, the study invloved in-depth interviews with members of the Dassanech and Turkana communities,who were purposively selected to include different members of the community structure who engage in intercommunal dialogue. These in-depth interviews were supplemented by focus group discussion (FGD) of pariticipants through quota sampling. Each FGD had members who had been affected by the conflict from four kraals/kebeles on the either side of the conflict line. The data was subjected to a thematic analysis and organised into themes and sub-themes, from which patterns were identified and used for further research and reporting. Indigenous conflict management through decision making, accroding to the findings, include identifying the routes to graze, wherer to or not to fetch water, and how to respond to incidences of conflict involving the other community. The decisions made create strategies that provide security for the community and are the reference point for sustainable peace initiatives inolving stakeholders in the triangle.