Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 12/2011

Alternative Dispute Resolution in Africa: Preventing Conflict and Enhancing Stability

Ernest Uwazie

November 2011

Africa Center for Strategic Studies

Abstract

Low-level disputes in Africa can spiral into violence and conflict due to the lack of effective judicial systems that can provide a credible and timely process for resolving differences. Alternative Dispute Resolution techniques can strengthen dispute settlement systems and bridge the gap between formal legal systems and traditional modes of African justice. They may have particular value in stabilization and statebuilding efforts when judicial institutions are weak and social tensions are high.