Mediation styles and outcomes of intractable conflict resolution

The study provides an overview of the Sudan and Somali conflicts. It analyzes critically the importance of mediation styles in a mediation process, the impact of mediation styles on disputant relationship and whether there is a relationship between mediation styles and outcomes of resolving intractable conflicts. The study explores the linkages between mediation styles and outcomes of intractable conflict resolution. The study answers the question on the extent to which mediation styles have managed to transform both Sudan and Somali conflicts, the behaviour of the mediators, their strategies and skills in resolving intrastate conflicts and more so intractable ones. This study also examines the various peace processes in the two cases (Sudan and Somalia) and identifies elements that made the mediation process a success or failure. The study explores the three mediator styles: communication-facilitation, formulative (procedural) and directive (manipulative) styles and their effectiveness in resolving conflicts. This study argues that the nature of the conflict dictates the mediation style to be used and the conflict’s likely outcome.