The Role of Indigenous Conflict Resolution Mechanisms in Peace Building Process: The Case of Mareka Woreda in Dawro Zone, SNNPRS

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to explore the role of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms in peace building process in Mareka Woreda of Dawro Zone. The study employed a qualitative case study design to meet the stated objectives of the study. To achieve the above objective, the primary data was collected from different informants in Mareka Woreda by employing such qualitative data collection techniques as key informant interview and focus group discussions. A total number of 32 informants participated in the study. The secondary data were obtained mostly from unpublished government documents; such as annuals, reports and other related court reports. The finding of the research revealed that the indigenous conflict resolution mechanism is still one of the major ways of resolving conflict in the study area. Shobbiyaa, Bayratetsa, and ottiyaa are the major types of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms in the study area. The study also disclosed that elders are the major participants of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms in the study area. The study also highlighted weaknesses and strengths of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms in the study area. Accordingly, elder’s domination, low participation of women’s and youths, and sometimes existence of biasedness are the main drawbacks of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms. Accessibility to the local community, rapid response to conflicting parties, cost effectiveness, and its ability in bringing durable peace between the conflicting parties after the resolution found to be the strengths of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms. Thus as this finding showed that indigenous conflict resolution mechanism is not only to resolve different conflicts, but also plays crucial role in terms of building peace in the study area. The researcher recommends that the concerned bodies are expected to boost the participation of women and youths to minimize the biasness and elders domination in the process of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms