ABSTRACT
Culture is one of the often analysed variables in both conflict and conflict resolution. In high-context cultures, mediators have to be chosen wisely from those who can have authority over conflicting parties and are respected by society. The near-impossibility of explaining non-Western social and cultural dynamics with Western analytical and theoretical frameworks is the other line of criticism often expressed by the scholars and decision makers from the South. Community leadership plays a crucial role in acephalic and high-context culture of African societies. Resolution of conflicts in high-context and communal contexts, like African communities, require community-based approaches. The majority of Western top-down conflict resolution models and strategies are based on the low context, culture, and hierarchical society type. Many communities in Africa have traditionally inherited community-based approaches and community leadership in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
