Abstract:
This thesis focuses on exploring the role that community elders and religious leaders play
in building peaceful coexistence in Gore town, the case of Kaciboren local administration. I
employed Qualitative research approach. The study relied on purposive sampling to select
participants. In general, twenty eight participants were participated in the study process. The
methods used in data collection were in-depth interview (with community members, police, and
prosecutor and religious leaders), focus group discussion with community elders and
observation. The data were analyzed by using thematic approach. The findings of the study show
that religious leaders and community elders play significant role in building community peace in
Kaciboren local administration. Religious leaders and community elders were involved in
awareness raising, conducting a series of discussions with their member and peace education
towards maintaining peace between settlers and the original inhabitants of the area. The public
perception of some peace builders as agents of government and lack of incentive were some of
the challenges they faced in their work of peace building process. The community has strong
support, trust, acceptance and respect for their religious leaders and community elders in
Kaciboren local administration. The government should provide the necessary support and help
to religious leaders and community elders. At the end, peace is not only the concern of
government and the society alone rather it needs the contribution of all people.
