INDIGENOUS CONFLICT RESOLUTION MECHANISMS. THE CASE OF OYDA PEOPLE IN GAMO GOFA ZONE IN SOUTH NATIONS, NATIONALITIES AND PEOPLES’ REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA.

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to assess and investigate the role and function of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms in the case of Oyda People in Gamo Gofa Zone in south nations, nationalities and Peoples‟ Regional State of Ethiopia. Parallel to the formal criminal justice system in Ethiopia, the multi ethnic groups of society have developed and used their own indigenous conflict resolution mechanism institutions. Thus, this is equally true for the people of Oyda in Gamo Gofa Zone in south part of Ethiopia. Here, the overall objective of the study lies to examine and assess the roles of indigenous conflict mechanism resolution institution in handling conflict in the case of Oyda People in Gamo Gofa Zone based on their own stated norms and moral values. In addition, the study is mainly designed by qualitative exploratory research approach to achieve the stated objectives. In order to successfully accomplish, the above stated objectives of this research, the data was collected from primary sources like from various key respondents in the study area by using qualitative instruments of observation, interview, focus group discussion and case studies. On the other hand, a secondary data resource was collected from magazines, published and unpublished government document, books, Thesis. A total number of 30 informants were participated in the study. To this end, the major finding of the study displayed that the indigenous conflict resolution institution is one of the ways of resolving based on their traditional policies of law implementation in the study area. The study also come up with the main causes of conflict in the study area and the indigenous means to resolve them through the Bucha Woga conflict resolution institution. The major causes that activate people in the study area in conflict are family related dispute, abduction, adultery, theft, over use of alcohol, murder, revenge, and bad insult, competition in the ceremony of mourning and not to keep a promise. This research also reveals the criteria for the selection of an elder in conflict resolution institution and the study areas indigenous laws and rules enforcement mechanisms. Besides, the study come up with the interdependence between indigenous and formal court system in resolving various kinds of conflict which are responsible for maintaining peace and security among Oyda people.