Who controls?the dominant Narrative??
States and/ or its coalition who control the dominant narrative, label rebellions as the enemy (terrorists, monsters, uncivilized) and pin sole responsibility on them for the violence. However, the rebellion is often a direct response to the state’s violence, alliances, lack of services, etc. Narrative marginalization drives the rebellion deeper into violence as it sees no chance to win the war of words. With Al-Shabaab being labeled a terrorist organization (which we agree they are), there is no space in this narrative to understand who they are, their interests, and possible ways to engage for peace. This type of discourse escalates conflict, it doesn?t resolve it.