Insider Mediators: The Key to Sustainable Peace in Conflict Zones
Insider Mediators: The Key to Sustainable Peace in Conflict Zones
Sr. Henriette Anne, FSSA
Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tambura-Yambio (CDTY) among other participants from South Sudan, attended the Clingendael Academy Course on Negotiation and Mediation Training as a tool for Conflict Resolution for Insider Mediators at the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) in Nairobi, Karen from 25th to 29 September 2023.
The presentation shared after the training reads conflicts are becoming more decentralized and involve recurring violence, often related to land, resources, elections, and technology. There is a growing need for sustainable conflict resolution methods due to these evolving dynamics.
For a theory change, the trainer added, “Crisis is more likely to be transformed into opportunities, and recurring tensions and violence sustainably addressed in a manner that enhances inclusion and innovation, in countries and communities with credible and lasting capacities for internal mediation, dialogue and conflict management.
The training also indicated that “Traditional short-term outsider interventions are no longer effective and Insider mediators are individuals or groups with socio-cultural, religious, and personal connections to conflicting parties. They gain trust, foster attitudinal changes, and contribute to sustaining peace”.
The participants were reminded that Insider Mediators act as counsellors, trusted advisors, intermediaries, and mediators. They identify entry points, build consensus, engage in direct mediation, offer advocacy, and provide early warnings.
“Overall, insider mediators are as much counsellors and trusted advisors to the parties, as they are intermediaries and mediators between them in the classical sense”.
Additionally, the Insider Mediators have the capability to access critical information, an intimate understanding of the conflict context, the ability to use moral persuasion which derives from shared values, and the ability to reach out to groups that are alienated and often influenced.
The participants were also reminded of the critical factors for action in insider mediation including the need for effective planning in mediation efforts, proper structuring of organizations involved in mediation, understanding dynamics within the mediation groups, involvement and support from donors, managing the interests of conflicting parties’ constituencies and finally coordination among different levels of mediation efforts.
