Clan and Inter-Clan Conflict: What It Is and Why It Matters

Understanding Clan and Inter-Clan Conflict Is Key to a Conflict Resolution

17^th January 2022

Clan and inter-clan conflicts represent different levels of societal discord. A clan conflict, or intra-clan conflict, occurs within a single clan. On the other hand, an inter-clan conflict involves disputes between one clan and another, and may include multiple clans. This article will explore both intra-clan and inter-clan conflicts in detail. Continue reading below for more information.

Related: Life Coaching Ultimate Guide

What Are Clan Conflicts?

Clan conflict refers to the absence of peace and harmony within a clan, also known as intra-clan conflict. It often stems from unresolved disputes among individuals and families, allowing the discord to spread rapidly. Numerous factors can incite conflict within a clan, with human nature frequently being the primary catalyst.

Conflicts within a clan can range from mild to severe. Some individuals are compelled to leave their clans for another, or even abandon their tribe entirely due to internal strife. These actions underscore the serious and undesirable nature of clan conflicts, which persist despite our awareness of their causes and detrimental effects.

Despite understanding the origins and impacts of clan conflicts, preventing their recurrence remains a challenge. Conflict appears to be an intrinsic part of existence, affecting not only humans but also other living beings, including animals, birds, insects, reptiles, and fish. Even the Bible recounts tales of conflict in heaven.

What Are Inter-Clan Conflicts?

Inter-clan conflict refers to disputes between two different clans. It represents a type of conflict that occurs outside of a single clan. Such conflicts have various causes and objectives. A personal disagreement can escalate to involve families and clans, eventually leading to conflicts between multiple clans, known as inter-clan conflicts.

Humanity has sought peace since the era of Cain and Abel, yet it appears to be an elusive goal on Earth. As mentioned earlier, it seems that true peace is unattainable here. If even heaven is not free from conflict, perhaps it is an inherent aspect of life. Although figures like the Prophet Isaiah hold out hope for global peace, its realization remains uncertain and is a common yearning among all humans.

At this level of conflict, individuals play a crucial role in both instigating and resolving disputes. This implies that we are accountable for either contributing to conflict or aiding in its resolution at our individual level before it necessitates a collective response from society. As a writer, I view myself as playing a part in both raising awareness and addressing potential conflicts across various levels and forms.

What Are the Causes of Clan and Inter-Clan Conflicts?

There are many causes of conflict at both clan and inter-clan levels, though some are widespread. A universal cause of conflict is human nature itself. Regardless of being secular or religious, our human nature binds us and shapes our identity. Our thoughts, words, and actions are primarily driven by our humanity.

To illustrate, cats act according to their feline nature. They meow because they are cats; it would be odd and unbelievable to hear a cat bark. Similarly, humans are inclined towards conflict due to our nature. However, conflict is not exclusive to human societies; it is a universal phenomenon.

Our human nature is evident when we vie for leadership roles, political power, territory, resources, sexual partners, and in our desires, wants, needs, and aspirations. We may be harmed by others, whether deliberately or inadvertently, through their words or actions, which we may perceive as insults or injuries.

We harm ourselves and others through our thoughts, words, and actions. Our thoughts often translate into language and behaviors that can cause conflicts within ourselves as individuals and with those around us. Since human language is imperfect, misunderstandings are common, leading to conflicts at all societal levels.

In my book, “The Principles of Conflict Management,” I explore various concepts and ideologies that frequently cause conflicts across different layers of human society. These include personal, family, clan, tribal, and national misunderstandings, among others.

Why Is It Important to Resolve Clan Conflicts?

The aspiration to resolve human conflicts is a noble one, yet even Jesus of Nazareth was aware of the peril in highlighting human faults. While it’s impossible to rectify every conflict by addressing our own shortcomings one by one, this doesn’t render the effort futile or insignificant at any level.

It’s crucial to endeavor to settle conflicts, and to some degree, it is feasible, even though they may reemerge later. For instance, I recognize the value of maintaining personal peace. My past misdeeds often lead to internal strife. If I spoke harshly to myself or to you yesterday, it might trouble me today upon reflection.

However, accepting that I cannot alter the past allows me to forgive myself. The same principle applies if you wronged me yesterday. My task is to attempt forgiveness, so I may find peace within myself, regardless of your readiness to reconcile. At times, I may be the one unwilling to make peace, but I can still strive for inner tranquility.

The truth is, we all need peace, yet the question remains whether we strive to achieve peace on an individual level. What would happen if each of us endeavored to live peacefully within ourselves? Such personal peace could swiftly extend to our families, clans, and tribes. However, attaining this is a task of action, not merely words. My passion for peace drives me to contemplate, communicate, behave, and write accordingly.

I cherish personal peace and have documented everything I understand about it. This underscores the significance of nurturing peace both individually and collectively. While peace is universally cherished, our affinity for conflict often leads us to engage in it impulsively. Regardless of gender, we are all driven by our emotions.

Why Is It Important to Resolve Inter-Clan Conflicts?

Just as we resolve conflicts at the clan level, we must also address them at the inter-clan level. The significance of individual peace, which can extend to the family, the clan, and neighboring or distant clans, has been previously discussed. This section will delve a bit deeper into that concept.

Resolving inter-clan conflicts is crucial because if left unaddressed, they may escalate to tribal disputes, national conflicts, and even international strife. Understanding the repercussions of human conflicts should propel us to proactively seek resolutions before they become unmanageable.

Indeed, resolving inter-clan conflicts is vital in any human society. But what are the steps to achieve this? Below, we will explore some strategies for conflict resolution. While there is no universal solution, certain methods have been effective in resolving human conflicts.

The mere idea of a conflict-free existence is profoundly important and peaceful, isn’t it? I believe so. It is my hope to see the clans within the Dhiaak community coexist peacefully. Dhiaak, a large clan comprising smaller families and clans, is one of the 11 clans of the Ngok Lual Yak Community in the Upper Nile Region. The Ngok are a Dinka sub-tribe, part of the Padang Community, and descendants of Ayuel Longar.

How Do People Resolve Clan and Inter-Clan Conflicts?

Humans have historically resolved conflicts at the inter-clan and clan levels through various methods. Prior to the influence of foreign worldviews and ideologies, conflicts were addressed within clans and between clans using traditional practices. These included the roles of chiefs, elders, and youth leaders who served as the governing bodies to address such matters within our communities.

As the adage goes, prevention is better than cure. Ideally, preventing conflicts is the most effective resolution. However, since it is not always possible to prevent conflicts, the focus shifts to how we can resolve them when they arise.

In the past, the fear of supernatural repercussions, particularly curses on those who disregarded the words of elders, chiefs, and youth leaders, played a role in conflict resolution. Nowadays, with the decline in fear of the spiritual realm, we turn to different methods in our technologically advanced and scientifically informed modern world.

Today, educational and conflict resolution initiatives are pivotal in resolving clan and inter-clan conflicts. Individuals who are literate often adopt broader and wiser perspectives. They approach life and its facets with objectivity. Many things they once held important lose significance, paving the way for peace and harmony within a clan and beyond.

Personal peace is paramount, as this inner tranquility extends through all societal levels. It emanates from an individual to their family, then to their clan, and subsequently to other clans. Thus, embodying peace personally is more impactful than merely discussing it. While dialogue is beneficial, it is our actions and deeds that truly advocate for peace and harmony.

My Final Words

In conclusion, this article has reached its end. If you haven’t yet, I recommend starting from the beginning to understand the definitions of clan and inter-clan conflict, its causes, the importance of resolving conflicts, the reasons behind conflict resolution, and the methods employed. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that speaking about action is not the same as taking action.

Despite our desire for peace, humans are often entangled in personal, familial, clan, tribal, national, and international conflicts that require our attention and resolution efforts. Conflict is a universal issue, not exclusive to humans; it is evident even among animals and, as some believe, in the spiritual realm. Yet, this pervasive nature of conflict doesn’t preclude us from striving to live peacefully with ourselves and others. As the apostle Paul advises in the twelfth chapter of the Book of Romans, we have the opportunity to seek peace with everyone.

I trust this article has been informative. Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Your feedback is highly valued, and I believe it will be beneficial for other readers as well. In these challenging times, I pray for God’s blessings and protection over you and your loved ones. Shalom!

Further Readings

• DYNAMICS OF INTER-CLAN CONFLICT BETWEEN THE DEGODIA AND THE GARRE OF MANDERA COUNTY (PDF file download)—KU.
• Inter-Clan Conflicts in Somalia—IJHRS.