The Central African Republic (CAR) remains in conflict 11 years, which has uprooted established dynamics between communities, notably between settled and pastoral groups. This research investigates the conflict dynamics between these two groups in Ouham-Pendé, utilizing Elinor Ostrom’s theories on Common Pool Resources (CPR’s) as a theoretical framework. Ostrom’s eight Institutional Design Principles (IDPs) serve as a lens to analyze common governance structures and their impact on settled-pastoral conflict, drawing on data collected through questionnaires during an internship at Concordis International.
The research compared the findings of the CPR analysis against theories in academia on relevant conflicts. The analysis supports inclusive and locally built institutions in CAR, increasing pastoral representation and disagrees with narratives which paint pastoralists as inherently uncooperative. The findings also add an economic dimension to an established political analysis of Chadian pastoralists’ presence in the region.
By applying the IDP framework this study offers a multifaceted understanding of the conflict in CAR, what norms are expected between actors and which institutions are vital for cooperation. This creates opportunities for targeted peacebuilding initiatives. Furthermore, this thesis supports the novel application of CPR in analyzing conflict, and contribute to the understanding of challenges faced by CPRs in conflict settings
