Indigenous Conflict Resolution among the Oromo: The Practice of Guma in Kore District, West Arsi Zone

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