Explore why sustainable peace cannot be achieved by ignoring major issues in conflict resolution. Discover practical examples
In Conflict Resolution, Ignoring the Giant in the Room Won't Bring Sustainable Peace
Introduction: Why We Must Address the Obvious
In the world of conflict resolution, there’s a popular metaphor — “the elephant in the room.” It refers to an obvious issue that everyone knows but no one wants to talk about. Yet, sustainable peace is never built on avoidance. If key grievances and injustices are swept under the rug, peace agreements risk crumbling like sandcastles under a rising tide.
The Nature of Conflict: More Than Just Clashes
Conflicts, whether personal, communal, or international, are layered. Beneath the visible tension often lie deeply rooted issues — historical injustices, identity suppression, marginalization, or resource inequality. Ignoring these foundational causes is akin to treating pneumonia with a cough drop.
Case in Point: South Sudan
Take South Sudan, for example. Despite a 2018 peace deal, violent clashes persist because fundamental issues like ethnic favoritism, oil revenue mismanagement, and unaddressed war crimes remain unresolved. The peace efforts are like patching a leaking roof while ignoring the structural damage beneath.
"Peace does not mean just putting down arms. It means restoring dignity, justice, and trust." — Leymah Gbowee, Nobel Peace Laureate
The Psychological Trap of Avoidance
Conflict avoidance is common, especially in societies with trauma or authoritarian legacies. People may prefer to "move on" rather than "deal with it." However, unspoken pain festers. In Rwanda, post-genocide reconciliation was only possible because of the Gacaca courts, which forced painful truths into the open.
Why Ignoring the Giant Hurts More
1. Erodes Trust
When stakeholders sidestep major issues, the affected parties feel dismissed. This erodes trust and legitimacy, making future cooperation fragile.
2. Encourages Recurrence
What’s ignored today becomes tomorrow’s reason for retaliation. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has endured for decades largely because core issues — land, right of return, identity — are left unresolved.
3. Blocks Emotional Healing
Unaddressed wounds can lead to generational trauma. South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission was effective not because it punished all wrongdoers, but because it validated victims’ experiences.
Strategies to Tackle the "Giant"
1. Honest Dialogue
Peacebuilders must create spaces for raw, honest dialogue. Techniques like restorative circles or facilitated storytelling have been powerful tools in post-conflict Colombia and Northern Ireland.
2. Inclusion of All Voices
Often, the voices of women, youth, minorities, or displaced communities are ignored. Including them ensures no vital issue is overlooked.
3. Acknowledging Past Wrongs
Recognition — through apologies, memorials, or reparations — acknowledges pain and fosters healing. Germany’s approach to Holocaust remembrance is a global model.
Modern Examples: Where It Worked
Colombia's Peace Accord
Colombia’s 2016 peace deal with FARC insurgents involved not just ceasefire terms, but a truth commission and reintegration program — addressing root causes like rural inequality and drug trafficking. It's not perfect, but it’s a model of holistic peacebuilding.
Timor-Leste
After independence from Indonesia, Timor-Leste launched a Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation. Instead of revenge, it emphasized truth-telling and rebuilding relationships.
What Happens When You Don't?
Myanmar’s military coups and crackdown on Rohingya Muslims continue because historical grievances, identity denial, and systemic marginalization were ignored. Similarly, Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict reignited due to long-festering political and ethnic tensions that were never sincerely addressed.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Sustainable peace is not built on silence, denial, or superficial agreements. It grows where truth is told, injustice acknowledged, and dignity restored. As peacebuilders, community leaders, and global citizens, we must dare to name the giants in the room — and face them together.
"You can't heal what you don't reveal." — Jay-Z
Let’s Talk
What are the “giants” in your community’s room? Let’s start the conversation. Drop your thoughts below or share this post with someone who believes in justice-driven peace.
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