Customary Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in Gambella Regional State with Emphasis on Opo Community: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

Customary dispute resolution mechanisms (CDRM) were used for conflicts settlement among ethnic groups in Ethiopia. They are mechanisms to maintain peaceful co-existence in the country. There was rich knowledge and limited written information about CDRM used by the Opo in Gambella. This study qualitatively explores indigenous institutions in settling disputes. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Purposive sampling technique was used to select knowledgeable village elders. Both primary and secondary sources were used and qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Conflicts were caused by farmland border contentions, adultery, fornication, elopements, rapes, impregnation, drunkenness, magic and evil eyes, hatred, homicide, and co-wives competition. Conflicts among Opo were categorized as inter-ethnic and intra-ethnic. Opo are so keen to maintain peace. Social structures and political systems are influential factors for maintaining peaceful co-existence. To them, peace means societal well being. Conflicts disrupted social interactions. The CDRM are useful because of shared social structures. For murder cases, a person is offered as compensation during mediation ceremony (gisa). Actors were elderly men (Becege) and nephews (Bititu). This tradition of bequeathing is against international human right laws. Local elders and government officials should discussion on the fair way to do compensations. Informal ways of conflict resolution mechanisms should be linked to formal system of conflict resolution mechanisms.

Key words: Conflict, Customary dispute, resolution, Opo.

DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/15-3-04

Publication date: July 30^th 2025