An African proverb might claim the bee’s honey surpasses the fly’s manure, but our ancestors’ wisdom rejects such Eurocentric superiority/inferiority dynamics. In African cosmology, all creation has purpose—bees and flies alike contribute to life’s balance (Mbiti, 1990). This holistic perspective challenges the competitive mindset that fuels conflict, as seen in colonial divisions of Uganda’s tribes or Rwanda’s genocide. John Paul Lederach’s conflict transformation model, ARIA (Antagonism to Resonance to Inventing Action), aligns with this wisdom, urging us to move from enemies to neighbors (Lederach, 1997).
The ENDA (Enemies Developing Action) approach, rooted in John 3:16, redefines gain through giving, not taking. God’s love gave His Son for all, breaking barriers of hatred and greed (Psalm 8:4-8). In Africa, where colonial legacies pitted communities against each other, we must recognize our shared humanity. The church, as Matthew 5:9 declares, is called to be peacemakers, embodying the final witness of God’s children.
This proverb teaches us to reject mimetic desire—the urge to covet what others have—which fuels scapegoating and violence (Girard, 2001). Instead, we must build inclusive communities where all are valued, as Desmond Tutu advocated for a rainbow nation (Tutu, 1994). By giving rather than taking, we transform enemies into neighbors, creating action together for Shalom.
Call to Action: Embrace the ARIA model in your community. Join the Pan African Peace Network to foster inclusive dialogue and break cycles of competition.
Girard, R. (2001). I Saw Satan Fall Like Lightning. Orbis Books.
Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). John 3:16, Psalm 8:4-8, Matthew 5:9.
Lederach, J. P. (1997). Building Peace: Sustainable Reconciliation in Divided Societies. United States Institute of Peace.
Mbiti, J. S. (1990). African Religions and Philosophy. Heinemann.
Tutu, D. (1994). The Rainbow People of God: The Making of a Peaceful Revolution. Doubleday.
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