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

Abstract

This research sought to explore the Indigenous Conflict Resolution Mechanism (ICRM) of Shekacho people in Sheka Zone, South West Ethiopia. The ICRM of Shekacho has organized procedure, structure, and actors who actively participate in the system. The procedures in ICRM of Shekacho people pass through two sequential phases of conflict resolution—intervention and resolution. However, despite this reality, it has no strong or formal relationship with the modern conflict adjudication system. Thus, this research ague for the provision of support from the government and establishing an enabling system for building a working relationship between the indigenous system and the modern adjudication system. Furthermore, higher academic institutions need to play their role by giving awareness-raising training for concerned stakeholders regarding the role of indigenous knowledge in modern governance. Keywords: conflict, indigenous conflict resolution, clan leaders, elders, mikirecho.