Chiefs of Koisisi, Talise, and Lelegia attend Easter workshop to revive traditional conflict resolution mechanisms
Chiefs from the villages of Koisisi, Talise, and Lelegia gathered at Lelegia over the Easter weekend for a workshop aimed at reviving traditional conflict resolution practices.
The workshop, titled Reviving Traditional Conflict Resolution Mechanisms, was facilitated by the Network for Indigenous People Solomon (NIPS) and funded by Snowchange.
The workshop focused on three key objectives:
- Strengthening Community Cohesion – by re-establishing traditional hierarchies and fostering dialogue among community members.
- Empowering Local Leadership – equipping chiefs with training and tools to mediate conflicts effectively.
- Facilitating Inclusive Participation – creating platforms for all voices, including marginalized community members, to be heard in the resolution process.
The event brought together local leaders in a collective effort to address rising tensions and conflicts brought about by modern development pressures, including mining and logging in the region.
With a focus on cultural resilience and community governance, the workshop was described as “timely” by Chief Benard Seni of Lelegia, who spoke on behalf of the attending chiefs.
“The need now is to educate our chiefs to address the pressure to ensure peace and harmony exist within our communities.
“Our traditional values which play a crucial role in our co-existence are slowly dying,” Chief Seni stated.
Topics covered during the sessions included the diminishing role of traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, the impact of external influences and modernization, and the erosion of trust in local governance structures.
Chief Seni emphasized that the knowledge shared during the workshop helped communities to go back to the drawing board and to assess gaps in their governance and traditions.
“These issues at times challenge our authority as the custodians of law and order at the community level,” he added.
Chief Seni acknowledged NIPS for organising the workshop.
He also acknowledged Snowchange for funding such an important workshop as it enhances community governance.
NIPS organizers acknowledged the diverse roots of conflict within the communities — ranging from social tensions to economic and environmental concerns — and reinforced that effective conflict resolution is vital not only for harmony but also for sustainable development.
The workshop was received with gratitude by the attending chiefs, who now return to their villages with renewed insight and tools to guide their people toward peaceful coexistence grounded in traditional values.
[end]
NIPS statement