Contemporary Practices of Customary Conflict Resolution Mechanism: The Roles of Bokkuu (cultural) Centers among Oromo, Ethiopia

Jemila Adem Hussein(1), Terefe Mitiku(2), Megersa Regassa(3), Waktole Hailu(4),
(1) Jimma University  Ethiopia
(2) Jimma University  Ethiopia
(3) Jimma University  Ethiopia
(4) Jimma University  Ethiopia

Corresponding Author
Copyright (c) 2020 Humanus

DOI : https://doi.org/10.24036/humanus.v19i1.103946

Full Text:    Language : en

Abstract


Conflict is a natural and unavoidable part of human existence. It is resulting from individual or groups that differ in attitude, beliefs, values or needs. This study explored Contemporary Practices of Customary Conflict Resolution Mechanism in and around Ambo district. The study answered the following basic questions: What are the roles of Bokkuu centers in handling conflict/disputes? How did the Bokkuu centers resolve conflict/disputes? Who are the main actors that guide the conflict resolution procedure at the Bokkuu centers? What types of conflict is resolved at the three Bokkuu centers? Qualitative research methods were used to understand the complexity of Oromo cultural peacemaking and how this takes shape within the culture of the Oromo custom. Techniques of collecting data were interviewing knowledgeable elders, field observation, and Focused Group Discussion were employed. The study discovers that the participants of the study agree that cultural conflict resolution are more effective in fact finding and resolve the disagreement between the disputants than that of formal courts. Because of its effectiveness in conflict resolution and truth finding traditional conflict resolution mechanisms is extensively serving in the study area. The ways judicial procedures take place is more reliably and open for disputants and any interested body that have an idea about the issue.  The members of the council are the main actor of the cultural centers; they are five in number and belong to different clans.

Keywords


Customary, Bokkuu, Oromo, Africa, Indigenous

References


Abebe, A. (2005). Indigenous Mechanisms for the Prevention and Resolution of Conflict: The Experience of the Oromo in Ethiopia: Report of Ethiopian national workshop.

Chemeda, D. etal. (2005). Indigenous System of conflict resolution in Oromia,Ethiopia

Gemechu, D. (2001), “Some Aspect of Conflict and Conflict Resolution among Waliso Oromo of Eastern Macha with Particular Emphasis on Guma”, Addis Ababa University, unpublished MA Thesis

Francis, D. J. (2006). Uniting Africa: Building Regional Peace and Security Systems. Aldershot: Ashgate.

Assefa, G. (2015). Description and Documentation of Ateetee Ritual among the DirreeEnchini Community of West Shewa Oromo Women. A Thesis submitted to Addis Ababa University

Herbert, L. S. (2001). Jimma Abbaa Jifar, an Oromo Monarchy: Ethiopia, 1830-1932. The red sea press, Inc. Asmara Eretria

De Salvic, M. (1901). An ancient people of great African Nation; The Oromo. Trans. Ayalew Kenno.2005. -Finfinne.

Hassen, M. (1994). the Oromo of Ethiopia : A history from 1570-1860. New York: Cambridge university press.

Gidada, N. (1984). “History of the Sayyoo Oromoo of Southwestern Wallaga, Ethiopia from about 1730 to 1886”, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universit¨ at, Frankfurt

Osi, C. (2008). Understanding Indigenous Dispute Resolution Processes and Western Alternative Dispute Resolution: Cultivating Culturally Appropriate Methods in Lieu of Litigation.PP.164-231.

Keneni, T. (2012). Exploring Gumaa as an indispensable psycho-social method of conflict resolution and justice administration

Ta’a, T. (2006). The Political Economy of an African Society in Transformation: The Case of Macca Oromo (Ethiopia). Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz Verlag,


Article Metrics

 Abstract Views : 1366 times
 PDF Downloaded : 333 times

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.




Copyright (c) 2020 Humanus

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.