Indigenous Conflict Resolution: Social Institutions and their Role in Peacebuilding in Ethiopia‟s Gamo Community

Abstract

This paper showcases the conflict resolution mechanisms used by populations indigenous to the Gamo areas of Ethiopia. The Gamo system represents a time-honored, informal, and socially equitable method of resolving types of personal and business disputes found among the general populace. This research work investigates and demonstrates the utility of the Gamo customary method for addressing perceptual and behavioral elements of conflict that are present in all societies across the country. To attain this objective, the article employed both secondary and primary data sources. Both primary and secondary data were organized thematically and analyzed through systematic interpretation and triangulation of various sources. The article found that conflicts are manifested at a family, neighborhood, and clan (Dere) levels with varying magnitude. The indigenous conflict resolution institution among Gamo has three stages of conflict resolution. The higher (Dere), middle (Guta), and lower stages. Conflict resolution at the higher and middle stages is used to lead by elders from the Gamo traditional political system. Conflicts at the lower stage are used to be resolved by elders selected by the disputant parties. The three stages of conflict resolution are highly interconnected and refer to cases from one setting to another. From a positional standpoint, this study proposes the indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms among Gamo and draws out lessons for Ethiopia and other countries to build sustainable peace.