THE CONTRIBUTIONS, CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS OF BERTA COMMUNITY’S CUSTOMARY CONFLICT RESOLUTION MECHANISMS TO PEACE

Abstract

The Berta people, also known as Benishangul. They are a relatively large minority group who span the borders of Ethiopia and Sudan. They have their own customary conflict resolution mechanism developed long time ago. The customary conflict resolution mechanism remain as important way for peace-making in the Berta community. This study gives an overview about the contributions of customary conflict resolution mechanism to peace, its challenges and prospects; - the case of Berta community. The main objective was to assess the contributions, challenges and prospects of Berta Community’s customary conflict resolution to peace. A qualitative research approach and case study research design were implemented. Primary data was collected through qualitative data collection techniques such as key informant interview and focus group discussions while secondary data was collected through document analysis. Discourse and textual data analysis method were used. A total number of 30 informants were participated in the study. The finding of the study shows that customary conflict resolution mechanism is contributing to peace-making process in Berta community. The main challenges of customary conflict resolution mechanisms in the case of Berta community includes Gender bias, local government domination, negative attitude, lack of interest, inconsistence decision, lack of uniformity of application, lack of written document, influence of local government and others. The future continuity of customary conflict resolution mechanisms is under question because there is lack of political commitment in the implementation of existing policy in Ethiopia. So as to improve the challenges and prospects of customary conflict resolution mechanisms in the study area, awareness creation, including the issue of customary conflict resolution in curriculum and providing legal recognition, and attitude change are some suggested possible recommendations for the concerned bodies.