Gondooroo as an Indigenous Method of Conflict Resolution and Justice Administration

Abstract

Oromo as a society, like many African societies, is rich in indigenous institutions of conflict resolution and justice administration. Gondooroo is one of the multitudes of Oromo indigenous institutions that have exclusively been used to settle blood feuds. In spite of its wider utilization and its multi-disciplinary nature, psycho-social analysis of Gondooroo is lacking in literature. With an aim of helping to fill this gap and of maximizing Gondooroo’s potential contributions to conflict resolution, justice administration and peace building, this article offers a psycho-social perspective on Gondooroo. Having analyzed combined data from multiple sources regarding Gondooroo within psychological and social frameworks, the author identifies and highlights six interrelated theses (themes) about the key roles Gondooroo plays in conflict resolution, justice administration and peace building (in cases of homicide). Finally, based on the themes identified and highlighted and other pertinent elaborations and case material, the author theorizes Gondooroo as a vital psycho-social method of conflict resolution, justice administration and peace building and calls for its official recognition and revitalization.