Indigenous Conflict Resolution: Social Institutions and their Role in Peacebuilding in Ethiopia’s Gamo Community

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue IV, April 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186

Indigenous Conflict Resolution: Social Institutions and their Role in Peacebuilding in Ethiopia’s Gamo Community

Heron Gezahegn Gebretsadik
School of Global Health & Bioethics, Euclid University (Pôle Universitaire Euclide)

Abstract: This paper showcases the conflict resolution mechanisms used by populations indigenous to the Gamo areas of Ethiopia. The Gamo system represents a time-honored, informal, and socially equitable method of resolving types of personal and business disputes found among the general populace.
This research work investigates and demonstrates the utility of the Gamo customary method for addressing perceptual and behavioral elements of conflict that are present in all societies across the country. To attain this objective, the article employed both secondary and primary data sources. Both primary and secondary data were organized thematically and analyzed through systematic interpretation and triangulation of various sources.
The article found that conflicts are manifested at a family, neighborhood, and clan (Dere) levels with varying magnitude. The indigenous conflict resolution institution among Gamo has three stages of conflict resolution. The higher (Dere), middle (Guta), and lower stages. Conflict resolution at the higher and middle stages is used to lead by elders from the Gamo traditional political system. Conflicts at the lower stage are used to be resolved by elders selected by the disputant parties. The three stages of conflict resolution are highly interconnected and refer to cases from one setting to another.
From a positional standpoint, this study proposes the indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms among Gamo and draws out lessons for Ethiopia and other countries to build sustainable peace.

Keywords: conflict/dispute, conflict resolution, indigenous/customary/traditional

I. INTRODUCTION

Conflict resolution is the process of attempting to resolve a dispute or a conflict (Kariuki, 2009). Conflict resolution resolves disputes to the approval of all parties involved (Aremu, 2010). Successful conflict resolution occurs by listening to and providing opportunities to meet the needs of all parties and to address interests adequately so that each party is satisfied with the outcome. Indigenous conflict resolution institutions are local informal social organizations founded and led by well-accepted and respectful individuals to govern disputes and behaviors that induce conflicts among a certain society (Ramani & Zhimin, 2010).
The people make indigenous mechanisms to conflict resolution; not by the state and to drive their legitimacy from participation and consensus of the community (Fisher, 2000). Indigenous conflict resolution processes are part of a well-structured, time-proven social system geared towards reconciliation, maintenance, and improvement of social relationships. The methods, processes, and regulations are deeply rooted in the customs and traditions of peoples (Mokonnen, 2016).

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