Heliyon (Apr 2023)
An appraisal of the practice of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms in building a culture of peace in Bale zones, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia
Abstract
This study examines the practice of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms in building a culture of peace in Bale zones, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. For the purposes of this study, qualitative research approaches accompanied by key informant interviews and focus group discussions have been employed. About 114 participants were participated in this study. The study was took place in 2020/2021. The findings of the study depicted that the causes of conflict in the study areas are dynamic. The study areas peoples used indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms to address dynamic causes of conflicts and build a culture of peace in post-conflict resolution. The study reveals that the efficacy of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms in addressing complex conflict at grass root level contributed a lot in the process of restoring peace in post-conflict resolution. On the other hand, the finding shows that currently the efficacy of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms in building a sustainable peace is not as effective as the past. Among the others, looking litigation as the only means to get truth, problems related with elders, brokers, religion, and attitudinal issues are some of obstacles that are deteriorating the effectiveness of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms in building a culture of peace. The study suggests that there is an urgent comprehensive strategy to restore the effectiveness of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms and cooperatively safeguarding them from deterioration and transfer to future generation with its nature, principles, norms, procedures, and implementation mechanisms.
