Before modern courts, here is how African communities handled conflicts

Nduta Waweru September 26, 2018

Before modern courts, here is how African communities handled conflicts

Bamileke

In this community in Cameroon, conflict resolution was carried out by the king and a policing society known as the Kwifo (meaning night). They would listen to the cases during the day and order punishment including execution, which would be carried out at night by the Kwifo.

The Kwifo were agents of the kings and could also resolve and punish civil and criminal cases. The group also had special masks, which represents the different decrees in the society. Any sighting of the Kwifo meant the villagers had to behave accordingly.

Last Edited by:Nduta Waweru Updated: September 26, 2018

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