Conflict Resolution and management: the role of Security Agencies

By Isaac Eranga, Journalists for Peace Network 

 Conflict and conflict resolution is as old as mankind. Where two or more people are present, conflict becomes inevitable. Studies show that conflict could have both desirable and undesirable consequences depending on how it is being managed or resolved.

This is where sound understanding of resolution of conflict is a necessity to prevent further escalation which in most cases endangers the society. In this article, we will take a cursory look at what conflict resolution entails and how the Security Agencies could carry out their roles efficiently in conflict resolution. 

Before delving into what conflict resolution entails, it will not be out of place for us to first of all look at the meanings of the following terms: conflict; conflict management; conflict resolution; and security agencies. 

Conflict is a situation in which unacceptable differences in interests, values, expectations and opinions occur between individuals or groups. Conflict management is a process where people learn to accommodate and live with their differences, especially where conflict cannot be totally resolved. By conflict resolution, we mean a systematic and conclusive process of finding amicable win-win resolution to conflict. Security agencies are agents of state saddled with the responsibility of law enforcement, crime control and protection of the nation's sovereignty. 

Conflict could be spontaneous or evolving. Spontaneous conflict is the type of conflict that erupts unexpectedly and could rapidly escalate if not promptly addressed. Evolving conflict is the type of conflict that continues to build up gradually and presents opportunity to neutralise at the formative stage.

Conflict Triggers

Conflict can be triggered by several causes such as:

• Lack of understanding 
• Poor communication skills 
• Unclear or unfair expectations 
• Injustice 
• Power tussle, etc.

Max Weber's Conflict Theory 

According to Max Weber's conflict theory (Marx and Engels, 1847), there are three main sources of conflict: economic, social, and political. This theory focuses on the competition between social groups, rather than individuals, and attempts to explain social change and stability as a result of group conflict.

Johan Galtung Conflict Triangle 

Johan Galtung's theory of the Conflict Triangle was published in his 1969 paper, "Violence, Peace and Peace Research" (John D. Brewer, Peace Processes: a sociological approach, p. 7, Polity Press, 2010).

The Conflict Triangle is a framework for studying conflict and peace that identifies three key elements of violence:

Johan Vincent Galtung (1930-2024)

• Contradiction: The underlying incompatibility or discrepancy between the needs, interests or values of the parties involved in the conflict.
• Attitudes: The negative perceptions, emotions, stereotypes that the parties have for each other.
• Behaviour: Actions or reactions that the parties displayed. 

Galtung's theory is based on the idea that peace is characterized by the absence of violence and is defined by widely accepted social goals. The conflict triangle is also known as the ABC triangle, where "Conflict = Attitudes + Behaviour + Contradiction".  

Stages of Conflict Resolution 

Squadron Leader Oyegoke A. Olajide (rtd) in a paper titled: Conflict Resolution: The Role Of Security Agencies presented at 2024 University of Benin Security Summit (5-7 June), gave the following as stages of conflict resolution:

• Identify sources of conflict 
• Look beyond the incident
• Request solutions 
• Identify agreeable solution 
• Implement agreeable solution 
• Follow up
• Review

Primary role of Security Agencies 

Oyegoke A. Olajide cited earlier also stipulated the following as statutory roles play by security agencies in conflict resolution:

• Early detection of triggers 
• Intelligence gathering 
• Information management 
• Peace enforcement 
• Peacebuilding 
• Follow up
• Feedback
• Other roles that may be assigned

Obstacles to Conflict Resolution 

1. Information mismanagement 
2. Apathy
3. Lack of sincerity 
4. Poor conflict resolution skills
5. Injustice 
6. Partiality 
7. Delay in actions
8. Inadequate empowerment 
9. Fixated mindset
10. Lack of effective communication skills. 

Factors that aid quick Conflict Resolution 

• Neutrality 
• Proper diagnosis of the root cause
• Respect for one another
• Accurate information/data
• Commitment to agreement reached
• Follow up 
• Feedback 

Conclusion 

From the foregoing, we've been able to determine the inevitability of conflict in our society and how conflict could lead to severe consequences if not properly managed. Though conflict cannot be ruled out in human settings, it can however be a source of development and peaceful co-existence when properly resolved. The security agencies as the bodies saddled with law enforcement and crime control have a lot of roles to play in conflict resolution. The security agencies will be able to discharge their responsibilities in conflict resolution if all the tips highlighted in this article are properly utilised.