Mobile app for conflict resolution in the offing

Mr Abraham Klutsey

Youth for Peace and Securi­ty-Africa, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Ghana with footprints in other African countries, is developing a mobile application called YPS Family to facilitate conflict prevention and resolution in Africa.

When successfully piloted, the mo­bile app, according to the Executive Director, Mr. Abraham Korbla Klutsey, would effectively and inexpensively facilitate the prevention and resolu­tion of violent and bloody conflicts and wars in Africa.

He said violent conflicts in many parts of Africa were retarding pro­gress and developmental policies such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Silencing the Guns, and ultimately Agenda 2063. “It, therefore, behooves all and sundry to show concern and help find innova­tive and pragmatic ways to turn the fortunes of the continent around.

Speaking to The Spectator on the innovative ways to curb conflict and how the mobile app would facilitate conflict resolution, Mr. Klutsey said the mobile app which is still in devel­opment, would have a multilingual and user-friendly interface to support multiple local languages, making it accessible to a broader range of citizens across Africa, and would also be intuitive and user-friendly to cater for different levels of digital literacy.

Again, the mobile app would allow community members to report poten­tial conflicts or tensions they observe in their localities. This, he said, could be done through text, images, or voice messages, providing real-time data to identify emerging conflicts.

Additionally, the app would be built to use data analytics in order to analyse patterns, trends, and early warning signs of potential conflicts. This would enable the organisations, authorities and relevant stakehold­ers to proactively address emerging issues before they escalate.

The app, according to Mr. Klutsey, would create a platform for commu­nity members, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to engage in online discussions and dialogues, explaining that “this will foster communication, build relationships, and enable the exchange of ideas and perspectives.”

The mobile app, which would be available for download on Playstore, IOS and other mobile application platforms, includes a mediation mod­ule to provide step-by-step guidance on conflict resolution.

Users can access resources, guide­lines, and even virtual mediation ses­sions facilitated by trained mediators to address disputes.

While it offers practical tips and techniques for conflict prevention, such as effective communication, negotiation skills, and peaceful problem-solving strategies, users can access this information through inter­active videos, quizzes, or animated guides, he said.

The app would provide legal infor­mation and resources, including rele­vant laws, regulations, and customary practices related to chieftaincy and land disputes, and also allow users to map and document land ownership, boundaries, and disputed areas. This can help in visualising and clarifying land-related issues, reducing ambigu­ity and potential conflicts.

 By Portia Hutton-Mills