Dual diplomacy in the mediation process of the Kenya 2008 Post Election Conflict

Abstract

This project aims at clearly outlining dual diplomacy and illustrating that it is the best method of conflict resolution. Official diplomacy which is herein referred to as track I diplomacy is weak and indeed handicapped it is not complimented by unofficial diplomacy herein referred to as track II diplomacy. Dual diplomacy demands for the simultaneous use of both of the mentioned tracks of diplomacy. A separate employment of each of the tracks of diplomacy connotes a gap or a lack of effectiveness. Both tracks of diplomacy must be aware of the dealings of each other so as to effectively complement each other.

The mediation processes of the 2007-2008 Post election violence evidenced in Kenya is the case in point used in this project. The mentioned mediation successfully adopted dual diplomacy albeit with a few hiccups. In this paper, a clear illustration of both tracks of diplomacy at play in the mediation process is accurately given. This is done with the use of interviews of individuals from both tracks of diplomacy. These interviews also serve to give a critical analysis of each of the mentioned tracks of diplomacy. This project highlights theories such as that of ripe moment in mediation and how it is handled by both tracks of diplomacy.