The Role, Challenges and Prospects of Indigenous Conflict Resolution Mechanism, the case of Dukem town, Oromia Regional State.

Abstract

Societies world-wide have long used indigenous mechanisms to prevent and resolve conflicts. The major goal of this study was to assess the Role, Challenges and Prospects of Indigenous Conflict Resolution Mechanism, the case of Dukem town, Oromia Regional State. The target population of the study includes council of elders, President of woreda court, individuals who have used indigenous conflict resolution systems and registered in Kebeles social courts. In order to achieve the objective of the study, the researcher used qualitative research approach and descriptive research design. The rationale behind to employ descriptive research design and qualitative approach is the possibility and feasibility of the methods to achieve expected result of the study and the nature of the topic also considerable significance to employed these approaches. The researcher also used purposive sampling method. Due to judgment of researcher so as to who can provide best information to achieve the objective of the study.Moreover, interview and observation were also employed to collect qualitative data.The finding of this study revealed that theft, heritance, property claim, marriage and engagement dispute are the major causes of conflict in the study area. The finding confirmed that indigenous conflict resolution mechanismplay crucial role in supporting the formal court system by reducing case load in courts, easing shortage of judges, and reducing court budgets. The findings confirmed the main challenges that affect indigenous conflict resolution mechanism in the study area are lack of clear legal mandates, limited financial support from governments, lack of enough file box and shelf, the room for Gaaddisa is being too narrow, the limitation of working day to 1(one) day per week, lack of enough training program to build elders capacity are some of the obstacles.It is better if the government provide the necessary training, provide office equipment and If the promotion activities is done through media.On the other hand, the indigenous conflict resolution mechanism is currently being used in various media to inform the world about their role in conflict resolution and peace stabilization, received growing attention as evidenced by an increase in research activities, publications, and policy.