ETHIOPIA: INDIGENOUS CONFLICT RESOLUTION MECHANISM OF SHEKACHO PEOPLE AND ITS ROLE IN PROMOTING PEACE AND GOOD GOVERNANCE

Abstract

"Conflict is an inevitable phenomenon in human relationships. Cognizant of the inevitability of conϐlict in human interaction, the most important issue needed to be emphasized is the way how conϐlict can be resolved before it becomes violent and destructive. The objective of this study is to explore “bertussa” the indigenous governance and conϐlict resolution mechanism of the Sheko community of Ethiopia. According to the objective, the study followed a qualitative research approach and used a case study research design. Data were collected through key informant interviews and FGD. A deductive thematic analysis technique was used to analyze data. The study found that the bertussa institution is the well-respected institution of conϐlict resolution playing an irreplaceable role in maintaining peace and social cohesion. Bertussa is hierarchical in its structure and it includes the Koynab (the King) at the top, Komtu. (Clan leaders), and, at the bottom, socially respected individuals called Yab babu (local elders). In the tradition of the Sheko community, conϐlicts that are believed to be less violent are settled at the yab babu (local elders) level. Whereas, reconciliation of homicide issues and conϐlicts which are serious and complex are mostly addressed by the komtu (clan leaders) with the help of a person known as burjab who is believed to have spiritual power. In the Sheko community, the reconciliation process ends with the performance of symbolic ceremonial practices which imply the healing of the discontent among the disputants. Though this institution has strong acceptance from the community, it lacks due focus from the local government and it is not formally recognized. Keywords: Koynab, burjab, reconciliation, sheko, conflict resolution, indigenous."