Travis WarringtonDual Master of Arts in Sustainable

International Development & Coexistence and Conflict

David L. Boren Fellow - Senegal 2012PON Summer Fellow – 2012

Returned Peace Corps Volunteer/The Republic of The Gambia '08-'10

warrint@brandeis.edu

Alternatives for Peacebuilding: Conflict Management Cultural Norms of the Fula Ethnic Group in the Conflict-area of

Casamance, Senegal

• Ethnocentrism & Peacebuilding• North v. Indigenous methods• Premise: Conflict management cultural norms

exist

Context

• Conflict since ~1982• MFDC (Jola) v. GoS• Many accords, no peace• Research: Fula ethnic group; 3 villages; 3 assistants; 2/6 months

research.

Findings/Lessons Learned

• Said cultural norms & practices do exist• Causes & types, w/ hierarchical process • Dialogue is key, but contextual• Modern methods are taboo• Cultural methods = sustainable• Peace?: Prayer; discussion; cultural roots

Recommendations

• Casamance: Research on Jolas w/ project– COEX + SID -> Regional peace

• Cultural norms + Peacebuilding = – Empowerment

• 2 groups/cultures fighting? -> Commonalities• Recognition and more research