Conflict Resolution Between the Golfan and Hawazma Tribes

This initiative aims to resolve long-standing conflict between tribes in South Kordofan by identifying common ground and working towards a negotiated settlement.

Description

The recurring conflict between the two tribes (one is Arab and the other Nuba) is mainly over water resources and rearing areas. The government doesn’t pay attention to the conflict at its beginning, usually ignoring the tribe’s complaint letters. This leads to the tribes taking matters into their own hands to take revenge. Only then does the government start collecting information about the roots of the conflict, after the problem is solved for the short term. This initiative started in 2007 and lasted 17 days.

Aims / Objectives

• Solve the problem and return to peaceful living for both tribes; and
• Show how hidden people activate the conflicts between tribes. (Politicians have escalated the conflict in south Kordofan for their own interests and nobody knows about it.)

How it is Articulated

We chose a group of volunteers who had participated in similar activities to form a problem-solving group to address this issue and mediate between the conflicting parties. They listen to all parties in the conflict - the tribes and government representatives - and write down what they say. They try to find a point that they are all agreed to. In this case, the group found about six cooperating points that they all agreed on. These points are then elaborated on to reach an agreement. After this the problem-solving group sits with each side alone, speaking around these points. It is then that the agreement can be reached by collecting all parts together. Then we implement many workshops on peace culture and coexistence, followed by some drama and song to avoid talking all the time, which is not good. The song brings the resolution to a good place. Then, at the end a written agreement is signed and every thing goes well.

Achievements / Learning points

All people know that conflict between tribes is a normal thing. The odd thing is some politician’s effort to increase the conflict for their interest; they also benefit from the illiteracy which is scattered in the area. We in this initiative teach the tribes’ people the ability to solve their problems by themselves.

Geographical Area of Operation

South Kordofan

Funding Resources

Governmental company and community leader fees.

Organisations Involved

• Turath; and
• Peace Centre Organisation based in Dilling.