Interpersonal

In an extremely local, interpersonal level, some of the conflict resolution strategies implemented by Rwanda, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the United States can be used to better develop personal relationships. The Gacaca court’s admission of guilt and wrongdoing, or truth-telling sessions, allow for honest conversations to occur. In an interpersonal level, when a conflict occurs between friends, having an honest conversation and taking accountability for any wrongdoings can mirror the process of truth-telling. Instead of trying to avoid the issue or minimize the harm, openly acknowledging the problem creates a space for trust to be rebuilt. 

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Similarly, in the context of the United States, rather than assigning blame to one another, through the emphasis of repairing harm, a shift towards growth and reconciliation can occur. In interpersonal relationships, this means moving forward, rather than focusing on who was right or wrong. Instead of focusing on “winning” the argument, by adopting a restorative mindset, individuals can work together to rebuild and strengthen their connections. Just continuing an argument to prove a point does not lead to a meaningful resolution; it often further creates frustration and distance between one another. Through this restorative approach, where accountability and empathy are paired, individuals can move on after conflict to create an even stronger relationship.

Local 

At the local level, the first step in an effective peacebuilding process is the acknowledgement of the historical trauma caused directly to the indigenous populations. This includes recognizing cultural suppression, displacement, and forced assimilation, but also realizing how this has shaped present-day inequalities. Acknowledgement can come in many forms, such as schools teaching the entire history, rather than covering up or minimizing events, or returning land to Indigenous tribes, as it is a significant cultural and spiritual aspect of their identity. 

However, acknowledgement alone is not meaningful without the action. An essential step is the redistribution of power to Indigenous communities, particularly policies that affect them firsthand. Rather than these communities relying on the government or non-profit organizations, Indigenous nations should have control over policies, including education, land use, and cultural preservation efforts, to ensure that these solutions truly benefit and help them. An important aspect of this step is having more indigenous representation in governmental positions. When indigenous leaders are directly involved in the decision-making process, it is more likely that the solutions made at both the local and state levels affect the lived realities, instead of assumptions. This inclusive process shifts away from a traditional top-down approach to a more collaborative and community-driven approach. 

Global

Since 2013, South Sudan has had constant cycles of ethnic tensions between the several ethnic groups residing in South Sudan. Due to the weak governance and already existing ethnic tensions, after gaining its independence from Sudan, South Sudan erupted into civil war, as the President and Vice President were from different ethnic groups. The rivalry between the Dinka President, Salva Kiir Mayardit, and the Nuer Vice President, Riek Machar, although their issues were rooted in the control of the state, has led to attacks on ethnic identity. This has led to the outbreak of conflict, where the armed groups, through the disguise of ethnic lines, committed sexual violence, property damage, and attacks on children. South Sudan attempted multiple peace deals; however is still unable to reach an agreement, leading to persistent violence. 

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Through case studies of Rwanda, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the United States, it is evident that a one ethnic group victory or cessation of war must occur for South Sudan to start the peacebuilding process. After violence has ended, humanitarian organizations can enter building water plants and community gardens to tackle the country’s lack of resources, being a key reason for this continued conflict. The Wadi El Ku project implemented in Sudan in 2013 can be a key model that could also be executed in South Sudan. This project focused on building and rehabilitating rainwater caught during the seasonal floodwaters; in doing so, the water can be used beyond the rainy season. This can further help build peace as communities no longer fight over the scarce resources, allowing all groups to work together, reducing tensions.

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In addition to reducing resource competition in South Sudan, educating the youth population is an important step in the conflict resolution process. Unlike the school systems in Bosnia, by having schools teach the history and atrocities committed by the different ethnic groups, an “us vs. them” mentality will be changed into a more community-based South Sudanese thinking. Through educating the youth first, prejudices are reduced, empathy is taught, and diversity is normalized. This ensures that future generations of South Sudan will be collaborative with other ethnic groups, rather than continuing the cycle of hostility towards those who do not align with the same group.