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Conflict transformation also means, according to Lederach (1989: 1) expressing
conflict in a different way. Instead of expressing it in a competitive, aggressive or
violent manner, conflict can be expressed "through nonviolent advocacy, conciliation,
or attempted cooperation." To Lederach (1989) advocacy and mediation are not in
opposition to each other, but are different stages ofthe conflict transformation process.
Activism, although nonviolent advocacy, is important in the early stages ofthe conflict
to raise people's awareness of issues. However, once this stage has been reached,
mediation can be used to facilitate dialogue and interdependence instead of
confrontation.
Lederach (1989:1) suggests that conflict transformation should take place at
"both the personal and systemic level". Like Glaser (1993:1) Lederach (1989:1) feels
that at the personal level there must be "awareness, growth and commitment to change"
and the outward recognition of the emotions of fear, anger, and bitterness. When these
have been dealt with conflict transformation will be able to take place.
At the systemic level transformation means increasing justice and equality for
all "through the elimination of oppression, improved sharing of resources, and to
nonviolent resolution of conflict between groups of people." (Lederach 1989:2) Both
these processes are mutually reinforcing i.e. personal transformation reinforces
systemic transformation and vice versa. However, the key concepts to both kinds of
transformation are "truth, justice and mercy, as well as empowerment and
interdependence."
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