Constructing From Reminiscences: Indigenous Conflict Resolution Mechanisms among the Bakossi (Cameroon), C.1750-2000

The current social and political conflicts that characterize many post independent African states is indicative of the fact that existing western modeled national and international conflict prevention mechanisms have failed to provide lasting solutions to the different conflicts that the continent is renowned for. Drawing from the Bakossi ethnic group of Cameroon, this article argues that traditional African societies could offer more effective conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms based on the African’s strict respect for traditional symbols and institutions. We demonstrate that traditional Africa was not a conflict free society but that, the societies had evolved highly respected systems which did not permit the intensification of conflicts. We recount how some of these symbols/systems were effectively used in conflict situations among the Bakossi and at the same time calling for their re-appropriation in contemporary times. We argue that German and later British colonialism used and later discarded these mechanisms in abating conflicts. We have relied on oral tradition and some selected literature in gathering and presenting the data.