The role of the mass media in peace building and conflict resolution in the Durfur region of Western Sudan

Abstract

The study assessed the role of the mass media in peace building and conflict resolution in the Darfur region of Western Sudan. The study was guided by five objectives which included; to determine the profile of the respondents in regard to age, sex, education and occupation, to investigate the strategies used by the media in reporting conflict events in the Darfur region, to analyze the role of media in reporting conflict in Darfur, to examine the effects of the media on conflict resolution in Darfur region and to evaluate the overall contribution of the media in the process of conflict resolution and peace building in Darfur region. The study used descriptive correlation research designs as the best methodology to describe the situation the way it was found in the field. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) where frequency distribution tables, means and percentages were the main statistical tools used. The findings of the study reveal that most of the respondents were males (6O%). Publicity, peace journalism and creating Media Mass Consumption were found to be the main strategies used by the mass media in reporting on the conflict events in the Darfur region. It was concluded that the media plays a significant role in conflict resolution and peace building especially in disseminating information relating to conflict to all stake holders although the government sabotages its role in most cases. It was concluded that there is a strong relationship between Mass media and conflict resolution and peace building. The study recommends that the government should give freedom to the media and to the people of Darfur in general.