Situating The Role of Youth in Indigenous African Peacebuilding Interventions: The Question of Spoilers Versus Menders"

Abstract

Isabella Osiemo is a doctoral candidate of clinical psychology at the United States International University-Africa (USIU-A) and an academician. Isabella is a professional in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and a Certified Professional Mediator with the High Court of Kenya. She is a member of Kenya Psychological Association (Kpsy.A), Kenya Universities Psychological and Counselling Association (KUPCA), Doctorate Association of Eastern Africa (DAEA) and Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), East and Central Africa. This article therefore advocates for the revitalisation of these interventions in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and encourages psychological healing and social restoration for the youth amid ever increasing conflicts in Africa. The researcher recommends, as a way forward, the following: greater involvement of youth in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, healing and restoration through indigenous African interventions; research on and inclusion of indigenous African knowledge in our educational system; and integration of indigenous African interventions into police, legal, justice and psychosocial support systems and practices.