Peacebuilding &conflict transformation A ... - Peaceworkafrica

1. Transforming conflicts1.1 What is conflict transformation?Conflict transformation theory is often associated with the academics Johan Galtungand John Paul Lederach. It is a comprehensive term that refers to both theprocess and the completion of the process (the initiatives and activities) which seekto alter various characteristics and manifestations of violent conflicts. This is doneby addressing the root causes of a particular conflict over the long term.Aim Conflict transformation aims to transform negative destructive conflict intopositive constructive conflict and deals with structural, behavioural and attitudinalaspects of conflict. This involves a change in how individuals and communitiesperceive and accommodate their differences in general; away fromadversarial win/lose approaches toward collaborative problem‐solving.Approach Conflicts are seen as potential opportunities to transform relationshipsand the systems in which they are embedded. Conflict transformation involvesa change of relationships that support violence. It means a move away fromcontradicting win‐lose approaches towards collaborative problem solving, it isthe process by which conflicts are transformed into peaceful outcomes.Initiatives The initiatives (methods & activities) focus on improving communicationskills and are often characterized by long term interventions at multiplelevels with the goal to change perceptions through addressing the roots of conflict,including inequality and social injustice.Transforming a conflict is a long‐term process that engages the people involved inthe conflict to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills that empower themto coexist peacefully. This counts for small size local conflicts and for huge‐size conflictsof a society on multiple levels. Overcoming fear and distrust, dealing withstereotypes, perceptions and interests and learning how to communicate effectivelyare important steps towards redefining relationships. This may open the door tobringing forth social justice and equality for parties in conflict and might eventransform the existing constitution of a society which supports the continuation of aviolent conflict.There is no doubt that phases exist which could be called ‘solutions’ in thelife‐cycle of a conflict. However, in principle, conflict transformation is a never-endingprocess. But it would be naive to believe that a final state exists in which a con-248 V I I I . C O N F L I C T T R A N S F O R M AT I O N