Conflict Resolution: Regional Wisdom and Ways

Lok Adalat

The Lok Adalat, meaning the “people’s court” is a modern continuation of mediation held by the village elders in India. Though the court cannot pass judgment, parties in conflict meet before a retired judge or a member of the legal profession to resolve differences.

If no compromise is reached, the case goes back to the judicial system, which can move very slowly in India, so the parties have incentive to come to agreement. As opposed to Indian court, where the parties cannot speak to the judge, the Lok Adalat is informal and focuses on compromise. Once an agreement is reached the decision is legally binding.

Jirga

The Pashtun people of Pakistan and Afghanistan use a system of mediation that involved a council of elders known as the jirga. This tribal assembly works like a community council. When a village decision must be made, community members speak before the council.

In the case of a conflict, the two parties select a malik, a religious leader or elder. Once the sides explain their perspectives, the malik assembles a jirga to mediate the matter. The parties must accept. The controversial decisions that some jirgas have made have recently been criticized in the press. Despite that fact, they remain a strong and influential part of Pashtun society.

A’alam

In the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco where there is very little rain, the Berber people have found a unique method to mediate conflicts over very precious water. As a culture the people have prioritized which uses are most important.

First comes drinking water. People and animals must be given water to drink. Next in priority are crops. Then finally mills and industry are given least priority. Each village chooses an a’alam, a water manager, who is assigned to regulate water usage in the villages and to resolve any conflicts. The job of a’alam is chosen by ability to mediate and alternates between families.

Mato Oput

The Acholi, a tribe in northern Uganda, has used a reconciliation ritual for generations call the Mato Oput, which means drinking of the bitter herb from the oput tree.

The ceremony is run by a chief who mediates between the parties. After the wrongdoer admits his responsibility, repents and asks for forgiveness, both parties share a cup of Mato Oput. The bitterness of the drink symbolizes the somberness of the occasion. It symbolizes that there are no victors in a conflict situation.

Pulaaku

The Fula people in the Adamawa state of Nigeria believe that pulaaku is always the first step in dealing with conflict. The belief involves treating the offending party with patience, accommodating their needs and trying to find a solution.

Pulaaku asks those who are offended to try to disregard the seriousness of the conflict. The idea is that pulaaku perpetuates itself and spreads understanding and self-respect. To this day, pulaaku has remained one of the precepts of the Fula way of life.