The Role of Indigenous Conflict Resolution Institutions in Boro-Shinasha Society, Ethiopia

Abstract

In a society where the majority is poor with widespread illiteracy culminating in lack of access to justice and the high cost and scarcity of lawyers, traditional conflict resolution stands out as the best method of conflict resolution. In Ethiopia, many rural and village communities do not refer complaints to the police or prosecuting authorities, but instead deal with them using indigenous tribal processes, Macfarlane (2007) and Gowok (2008). Ethiopia has been practicing various indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms for many centuries. The study on which this article is based was aimed at describing the role of indigenous conflict resolution institutions in peace-building in Boro-Shinasha society. Descriptive qualitative research method was used with semi-structured face-to-face interviews to collect data. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. The findings reveal that indigenous conflict resolution institutions are very vital in peace-building, especially if they are integrated with the formal peace-building institutions. The gap of clear policy direction and development in the application of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms and institutions has been found to be a problem. The desired end result of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms and institutions in building peace among the society is clearly recognized and obeyed by the society.

Key words: - Indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms. Indigenous institutions. Conflict. Elder’s (enesho...“a”).

DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/145-01

Publication date: January 30^th 2025