Responding to Conflicts over Resources Distribution

THE emerging conflicts over the distribution of resources in the Namibian body politic are thrusting us into a potentially deadly conflict of very large-scale consequences; some of which might prove quite difficult to address.

I would like to draw lessons by pointing out some of the dynamics playing out in the current situation and offer some practical suggestions how best to respond.

The fundamentals here are that we, as a society, find a common ground that allows us to see each other’s side when it comes to resource allocation. By resource I imply tangible and non-tangible things such as natural resources, human resources, money, materials, power, strategies, programmes and other assets we can use to function effectively.

Notice how I am avoiding using the label “tribalism?” There is a good reason for that but for now it is important to know that the conflicts that we have over resources distributions are conflicts that are framed or couched in the language of justice versus injustice.

Therefore, these conflicts may proceed in several different directions, depending on how we collectively respond as a society. My conflict resolution students in the USA used to tell me that conflict can provide opportunities that reduce injustice. It can also lead to the increase in injustice if it takes a destructive course.

We also have to know that those current conflicts over resource allocations are about which principles of justice should be applied or how a given principle, policy or process regarding resource allocation should be implemented.

Thus, the Affirmative Repositioning’s cry about the unaffordability of urban housing is about distributive justice in terms of fair outcome. The Landless People’s Movement’s feeling that the selection criteria for farm resettlement are biased against the people whose land was historical stolen is sensitive to procedural justice in terms of a fair process.

And the Kavangos’ sentiment of exclusion is about inclusionary justice in terms of who has moral import and worth of consideration of fairness.

Injustices, whether real or not, can be a source of conflict that may undermine people’s confidence in the government’s ability to allocate resources fairly and equitably. If people feel that they received unfair outcomes, unfair treatment or feel that they are left out, the likelihood to feel alienated from others or from political institutions is greater.

Other responses to the sense of injustice may be in the form of hopelessness, sense of defeat, anger and aggression. People may also rise – in the form of protest, rebellion; and even a revolution – overtly or openly in their attempt to bring necessary change in order to remove the perceived injustice.

What needs to be done to foster a sense of justice as far as the resource use is concerned? Long-term justice occurs along with concrete and practical mechanisms to address injustices such as by making sure that the country’s resources are shared, managed prudently, and are channelled to social reconstruction; rebuilding of infrastructure; repairing of roads; restoring of electricity; provision of safe clean water; developing of quality healthcare and education systems.

It is important that resource distributions are operationalised in terms of these three contingencies of justice. Meaning, social resources – such as financial, human, supply and materials-are apportioned in line with distributive justice. Through procedural justice, the society should be enabled to come up with processes that support a functioning resource allocation approach.

The inclusionary justice would help facilitate breadth participation of society in terms of citizenry participation in decision-making processes. Inclusion should also yield broader participation in terms of sharing of resources and altering the status quo so that those feeling excluded feel that they are shared participants.

A resource distribution process that is superficial, narrow or temporary can lead to the perception of injustice. Equally, a resource distribution process that fails to alter the status quo is empty, short-lived and cloaked in injustice.

It is imperative that our political institutions and service provision function in a manner that serves all citizens. Meaningful resource distribution occurs at all levels of society from grass roots to national level; it occurs across all subgroups such as the poor, women, youth, rural people, uneducated; and it occurs across the implementation period.

Resource distribution should also be substantial, multidimensional and attentive to transparency, equitable distribution, and widespread involvement of all people in the processes and decisions.

Doing so is consistent with a culture of constructive conflict resolution – a process characterised by opportunities to debate important values, appropriate processes, and desirable outcomes regarding resource allocation.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.