Evaluating the Impact of Local Mediation Committees on Post-Election Violence in Sub-Saharan Africa

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 5, No. 7, July 2014 | pp. 379–387

DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000064

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Evaluating the Impact of Local Mediation Committees on Post-Election Violence in Sub-Saharan Africa

Names of Authors: John A. Mensah¹, Musa Ibrahim²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; ²Department of Political Science, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria

Abstract: Abstract: Local mediation committees play a pivotal role in mitigating community-level violence following disputed elections. This study evaluates the structural effectiveness of these grassroots committees across three post-election flashpoints between 2007 and 2013. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, we analyzed quantitative survey data from 450 community members alongside qualitative data from 30 key informant interviews. The empirical findings indicate a statistically significant reduction in localized violent incidents where active mediation frameworks were established. Specifically, communities with active committees reported a lower incidence of retaliatory violence (Mean = 2.1 events/month) compared to unmediated control areas (Mean = 5.4 events/month), yielding a statistically meaningful difference where p < 0.05. Regression analysis demonstrates that trust in local leaders accounts for 43% of the variance in successful dispute resolution metrics (R² = 0.43). However, the long-term sustainability of these committees is heavily compromised by inconsistent funding and political interference from regional elites. The study concludes that neutralizing political manipulation and embedding local committees into national peace architectures are vital steps for structural resilience.

Keywords: Local Mediation, Post-Election Violence, Grassroots Peacebuilding, Sub-Saharan Africa, Conflict Resolution, Community Resilience

Manuscript Timeline: Received: February 14, 2014; Revised: April 05, 2014; Accepted: May 12, 2014; Published: July 04, 2014

Citation: Mensah, J. A., & Ibrahim, M. (2014). Evaluating the Impact of Local Mediation Committees on Post-Election Violence in Sub-Saharan Africa. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 5(7), 379–387. DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000064

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