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145 J.L. Pol'y & Globalization 1 (2025)

handle is hein.journals/jawpglob145 and id is 1 raw text is: Journal of Law, Policy and Globalization wwwiistemorg ISSN 2224-3240 (Paper) ISSN 2224-3259 (Online) IT Vol.145, 2025 iSTE The Role of Indigenous Conflict Resolution Institutions in Boro- Shinasha Society, Ethiopia Abiot Alboro Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State Peace-Building and Security Bureau, Assosa, Ethiopia. Email: alboroabiot@gmail.com Abstract In a society where the majority is poor with widespread illiteracy culminating in lack of access to justice and the high cost and scarcity of lawyers, traditional conflict resolution stands out as the best method of conflict resolution. In Ethiopia, many rural and village communities do not refer complaints to the police or prosecuting authorities, but instead deal with them using indigenous tribal processes, Macfarlane (2007) and Gowok (2008). Ethiopia has been practicing various indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms for many centuries. The study on which this article is based was aimed at describing the role of indigenous conflict resolution institutions in peace-building in Boro-Shinasha society. Descriptive qualitative research method was used with semi-structured face-to-face interviews to collect data. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. The findings reveal that indigenous conflict resolution institutions are very vital in peace-building, especially if they are integrated with the formal peace-building institutions. The gap of clear policy direction and development in the application of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms and institutions has been found to be a problem. The desired end result of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms and institutions in building peace among the society is clearly recognized and obeyed by the society. Key words: - Indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms. Indigenous institutions. Conflict. Elder's (enesho... a'). DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/145-01 Publication date: January 30th 2025 1. Introduction Throughout history, individuals and groups used a variety of ways to resolve their disputes, trying to reach a resolution acceptable to all parties. There is a common belief in all cultures that it is best to resolve disputes and to reach an agreed end to them, because conflict is a destructive force, Shamir, Y. (2010). Societies world-wide have long used indigenous mechanisms to prevent and resolve conflicts. In every community, systems of indigenous conflict resolution often based on community customs, familial relationships, or embedded in institutional practices run alongside the formal state sanctioned processes, Macfarlane (2007). In a society where the majority is poor with widespread illiteracy culminating in lack of access to justice and the high cost and scarcity of lawyers, traditional conflict resolution stands out as the best method of conflict resolution. In Ethiopia, many rural and village communities do not refer complaints to the police or prosecuting authorities, but instead deal with them using indigenous tribal processes, Macfarlane (2007) and Gowok (2008). In Ethiopia various indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms has been practiced for many centuries, Gowok, (2008) and Endalew (2014). These indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms are deeply rooted in different ethnic groups of Ethiopia. They are associated with the cultural norms and values of the peoples and gain their legitimacy from the community values instead of the state. A community process involving the identification of the root cause of the problem, and bringing all parties involved to address the underlying issues. This usually ends with the guilty accepting wrong doing, leading to reconciliation which may include compensation or just forgiveness, Murthi (2006). 1.1. Statement of the Problem In Ethiopia, the use indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms have been practiced for centuries. Even today in rural areas, dispute resolution processes are widely practiced and deep rooted with varying degrees among the 1

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