Inter-communal conflicts are clashes between two or more communities within a state or another state.
These conflicts affect lives and properties, hinder development and growth, and bring unnecessary hatred to the communities.
Inter-communal conflict is not a new thing in Nigeria, it has been reoccurring for years.
Significant conflicts in Nigeria include the Tiv and Jukun clashes in Taraba and Benue states, Ife and Modakeke inter-communal conflict, Aguleri-Umuleri conflict in Anambra state, community clashes between Cross River and Ebonyi states, Urum and Achala communities in Anambra state and boundary disputes between Enugu and Kogi states’ communities.
It is one of the major challenges we have in Nigeria. Causes of this dispute differ from land, looting, political power, historical grievances, and religious differences.
Putting an end to these conflicts involves exemplary skills leaders in these communities must possess to promote peace and unity.
This article talks about the necessary skills to resolve inter-communal conflicts. These skills are effective communication, conflict resolution, empathy, mediation and negotiation, true leadership and intercultural competence.
Necessary Skills to Mitigate Inter-Communal Conflict
Effective Communication:
Effective communication is necessary when resolving inter-communal conflicts. Open and clear dialogue helps to foster understanding, unity, peace, harmony, and cooperation between conflicting parties.
Active listening, active consideration of each other’s perspectives, and the ability to express oneself coherently are key aspects of good communication.
Empathy:
This involves understanding the other party, walking in their shoes and gaining an understanding of their plight. This fosters compassion and kindness.
Conflict Resolution:
This can be done through the Law Court by getting a lawyer to represent these communities legally, then a fair judgment will be given after both parties are given a chance to air their views.
Another way to ascertain peace is through a peacekeeping force. This was set up by the government and involved the military, navy, airforce and police to keep and maintain peace.
Mediation and Negotiation:
When there are serious Inter-communal clashes, a special panel is set up to mediate between the aggrieved communities. These mediators are neutral parties who ensure that these communities are settled amicably through fairness and impartiality.
In a skilful negotiation, these communities find a middle ground to meet and compromise to attain a goal mutually beneficial for both communities. This fosters collaboration, trust, cooperation and communication.
True Leadership:
This involves the coming together of the leaders or heads of these communities to meet, talk about the clashes and find a solution that will work for all parties without being biased, greedy or selfish.
These strong leaders will bring hope and guide their people to peaceful co-existence. They must be resilient and have a vision. They also possess high emotional intelligence.
Intercultural Tolerance:
Most of these Inter-communal conflicts are caused by cultural differences, and misunderstandings in the values, history, customs and traditions.
Before anything, understanding the cause of the clash and the history behind it will go a long way to bring peace and tranquillity. Also, learning to foster understanding and respect for each other’s customs and traditions will curb these politics without tribalism. Proper utilisation of resources and fairness will help promote Inter-communal relationships.
Conclusion
Inter-communal conflicts require certain skills, and the ability to bring together communication, conflict management, and cultural awareness to foster peace, harmony and unity in the communities and nation at large. For an inter-communal relationship to grow, people have to be willing to foster peace and build bridges and not walls between communities, either through marriages or cooperations within themselves or through schools. Individuals can also play a crucial role in creating peaceful communities that foster socio-economic growth.
Read also: Finding Balance in a World of Conflicting Advice.
