What we are once again presenting to our readers in this issue, is a number of articles with an interesting and interrelated set of conflict resolution messages. Several of the topics deal with conflict-causing situations in which governing bodies pursue interests of their own or those of their own ethnic group. The fourth and fifth articles (Adejoh and others, and Osiemo) focus on the reaction of the huge young component of the population – either violently aggressive opposition or restraint from terrorism, and either aggravating the conflict or working towards peace. Osiemo’s article links indigenous mechanisms to the practices of peacemaking, a theme which is also dealt with in two other articles (Wafula, and Alamineh and others). The efficacy of indigenous mechanisms with regard to community saving, cooperation and cohesion, and conflict transformation – in general and in the case of blood feud – is discussed and promulgated. The need of government to adjoin indigenous mechanisms to their formal justice systems is also emphasised. The research of the second article (Ali) concentrates on the predicament of factory workers who are, under government policy, bereft of the opportunity to agitate for their rights. And in the first article (Agwanda and Asal) a pertinent case of an ethno-nationalistic conflict is outlined and discussed. In the conclusions and recommendations of these articles, we get prompts and encouragements with regard to fulfilling responsibilities, practising inclusiveness and dialogue, showing goodwill, building relations and relationships, and revitalising indigenous methods.
