Mano River Basin: An Evaluation of Negotiation and Mediation Techniques

Abstract

This paper interrogates the negotiation and mediation techniques that was used following aggression, violence and social disruptions in Mano River basin, particularly against the recent return to democracy in the region. While peace has largely been restored, the scattered but continuing incidence of aggression, violence and social disruptions in the Basin has raised questions about the viability of negotiation and mediation techniques. The success or failure of these techniques has effect on the sustainability of State, individual and social structures in the region. Therefore, the paper argues that enough attention has not been paid to the ethical, moral and historical dimensions of the problem of negotiation and mediation, especially the role of traditional institutions and civil society agencies as critical components in con lict resolution. Given this, the paper draws attention to some of the gaps and challenges embedded in 'imported' negotiation and mediation techniques that leverage the certi ication of con licts in Africa as being "ethnic and racial". Using secondary data and drawing on personal experiences in the Mano River Basin (MRB) countries in West Africa, the paper also raises critical questions about the relationship between negotiation and mediation techniques and con lict resolution and the lessons learned so far. It also suggests ways of addressing those aspects of negotiation and mediation techniques de icits as a basis for suggesting options that will likely reduce recourse to con licts, encourage dialogue and inclusive participation, as well as increase the chances for peace in the region and Africa.

Liberia: Understanding Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in Post-Conflict Societies

“…Any of the ADR mechanisms discussed in this section could be used, depending on the nature of the dispute or con lict and severity of the offence. As ADR mechanism in Liberia, mediation and negotiation were parts of the most prominent in the country (Afolabi & Idowu, 2018). This section thus, takes a critical discourse on the various ADR in forms of negotiation and mediation adopted in post-violence Liberia.…”

“…Galvanek (2016) In the town hall meetings presided over by chiefs and/or elders, the common method often used to achieve reconciliation and harmony is by addressing the root cause(s) of the dispute in the irst place. The importance of addressing the root cause(s) of disputes during con lict resolution has been stressed -it ensures that future occurrences are prevented, rather than just dealing with the features of the present con lict (Afolabi & Idowu, 2018). This practice of addressing the root cause of disputes in Liberia has been referred to as "searching for the truth, identifying the underlying issues and social factors that inform the disputes" (Isser, et al, 2009, p. 26).…”

“…These ADR mechanisms have served as forums where perpetrators, victims and survivors meet and confess. On the one hand, perpetrators confess their war crimes and, on the other hand, war survivors forgive them or subject them to go through community punishment as the case may be (Afolabi & Idowu, 2018;Kurz, 2010). As the name implies, the palaver hut is usually held in a round hut, where, under the leadership of community elders, the villagers gather to resolve disputes and mediate reconciliation (Ntuli, 2018).…”

Governing the artisanal gold mining sector in the Mano River Union: A comparative study of Liberia and Sierra Leone

“…Gold mining is an essential mechanism for trans-border exchange within the Mano River Region as well (Maconachie & Hilson, 2019), and the border commonalities between these countries aid the movement of people, goods, and services at an easier pace, which is also helpful in the smuggling of gold. This is not far from the fact that the sub-region struggles with border porosity (Afolabi & Idowu, 2018). Finance and lending systems remain informal and unregulated, leaving poor people susceptible to exploitation.…”