Abstract:
Conflict is a common social phenomenon and occurs quite frequently in human relation. It is
inevitable in any community with a different cultural background or within the same ethnic
group with the same culture. Conflict can occur between individuals, groups or, nations. The
Oromo have established and used various customary institutions of conflict resolution
mechanisms which are unique to their own culture. “Gumaa” is one of the mechanisms used
for conflict resolution.
The objective of this study is to explore the role “Gumaa” plays in resolving conflict among
the Oromo in Kore district, West Arsi Zone. The study relies on a qualitative research
approach is to better understand the topic. To this end, primary data were collected through
in-depth interviews, FGDs and, secondary data were obtained by reviewing different
documents. The collected data were used descriptively analyzed by narrating stories and
experiences to create themes from the data. An ethnographic research approach d was
employed to explore and understand the nature of the culture existing in the area and how
people are practicing the indigenous conflict resolution mechanism. Based on the data
collected the area is rich in using indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms and now the
community is participating in reconciling the disputes occurring at different levels; clan, sub clan, villages, and family. There are procedures of conflict resolution practice in the
community including simple disputes like homicide practice. The community elders are the
most role players and actors to reconcile with the disputes in the community. The community
elders serve or reconcile voluntarily to settle conflicts and keep the peace and security of their
environment by using an indigenous conflict resolution (Jaarsummaa,) method. The
community elders define Gumaa as a blood feud and in the community, there are different
kinds of Gumaa practices in the area: Gumaa Gurraatti, Gumaa Adii and, Gumaa Dalaattii
are the major. However, in the history of Oromo Arsi Gumaa is not existing but, come based
on the Halxixi mother for his killing of another. According to the data gathered from
informants, the word Gumaa comes from Gummicha or Gumaa‟uu which means collective of
people for the reason of homicide. However there are different kinds of Gumaa are exist in
the community, but the emphasis of the thesis on human homicide
