Dispute Resolution Mechanism in Africa:Is the Indigenous Method a solution ?

Abstract

This paper examined how disputes can be resolved using indigenous method through several forms and features of indigenous dispute resolution (IDR) among communities living in Africa. These mechanisms takes a hierarchical format from the family council to the highest level of traditional leaders, others are positional, some take collegial format, chieftaincy or a mixture of chieftaincy and collegial. This paper used systematic review which harnessed mostly on-line information resources through data mining. In order to establish how indigenous methods of dispute resolution has been applied in different countries in Africa. This paper identified different themes that included: Indigenous dispute resolution in West Africa; indigenous dispute resolution in Central Africa; indigenous dispute resolution mechanism in South Africa and indigenous dispute resolution mechanism in East Africa. The findings showed that integrating indigenous knowledge in dispute resolution mechanism offers a valuable understanding and approach that promote community cohesion, cultural resilience and sustainable peace; embracing indigenous perception enriches the diversity of approaches to dispute resolution and contribute to inclusive and just societies.