Humans are likely to disagree with each other in their social interactions, which include families, communities, and corporations, including national political systems.
The reactions people have to crises will determine whether a family or a community becomes more united or split apart. Cin Tok ace rot ye Mang, a Dinka phrase that translates to ‘One Hand Cannot Clap,’ is used to nurture harmony and cooperation in all aspects, including in conflict management.
In this article, I will use this phrase to support conflict resolution tools and cite the Egyptian proverb, ‘One Hand Can’t Clap,’ to explain why it is important for us as South Sudanese to work together (El-Sayed, 2021). Teamwork is therefore crucial in conflict management, as no one person can do it alone: the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Government (SPLM-IG) is led by President Salva Kiir, or the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition is headed by Dr. Riek Machar (SPLM-IO) and the entire other opposition groups. I need you to understand that meaningful and sustainable solutions come from the combined efforts of stakeholders who know that their input, when coordinated, makes a lasting impact (Fisher, 2016).
The African Union’s Panel of the Wise who came to Juba to support the parties to the 2018 peace agreement to engage in dialogue and to reconcile the country. This shows why it is crucial to have inclusive dialogue in the resolution of political conflicts (African Union, 2024).
As a student of conflict management, I understand that finding solutions together is winning half the battle. In a bid to tackle the current situation of South Sudan’s political tensions, it is imperative that IGAD, AU representatives, civil society organizations, media, and friends of South Sudan all must be involved in the decision-making process.
The approach of inclusivity can nurture the confidence of the peace guarantors to enhance the culture of respect and transparency in the interaction.
As a media professional living in Juba, I fathom that multiple voices, both within Juba and outside the country, do certify that South Sudan’s political problems should all be well-respected in the current context. Their wish is to prevent the expression of anger that may result in aggression since each party is taken into account (Burton, 1990). When solutions are developed during group discussions, they are more likely to be effective as they get to the root cause of the problem rather than the symptoms.
Crises usually reveal the inefficiencies of the governance system and the weaknesses of the society. I wish that all the parties involved in resolving these tensions that have led to the arrest of the key opposition leaders be accorded with transparency. When handling crises, civil societies should check on all the parties, and people should participate in the recovery processes after crises (Galtung, 2000). This way, everyone is answerable for their actions in a system that has been built on Cin tok ace rot ye mang.
This idea is also consistent with Dr. Ben Carson’s THINK BIG model, a model that focuses on accountability and strategic thinking in solving problems (Carson, 1992). The following are the key principles:
· Encouraging people to own up for their words and deeds.
· Leadership should be made to account for its actions and decisions.
· Everyone affected by the situation should be brought into the discussion.
· Promoting the use of non-violent means of conflict-solving.
· Creating long-term and maintainable solutions for the future.
These principles make sure that consensus is well-rooted, governance is people-centered, and crisis management is well-coordinated and effective. Thanks to Dr. Bennet, my lecturer of Conflict Management and Peacebuilding, for teaching me a culture of peace.
Borrowing from Dr. Bennet notes, he said during crises, violence is still a major threat as people use it to make their concerns known. However, Cin Tok ace Rot ye Mang is about the nonviolent management of conflicts through mediation, dialogue, and restorative justice. These approaches promote healing and reconciliation and avoid adverse effects (Lederach, 1997). Such societies are capable of sustaining peace results. Non-violence culture increases social capital and improves the capacity of communities to deal with any upcoming issues.
In conclusion, the main idea of Cin Tok ace rot ye Mang is that crisis management can be done effectively through collaboration, accountability, and non-violence. Societies that embrace consensus, equity, and resilience in the face of challenges are better placed to manage crises and become stronger and more cohesive in the process.
To be continued…