The Practices of Gumaa As Traditional Conflict Resolution Mechanism in Dispute Settlement: the Case of Elfeta Woreda,West Shewa Zone of Oromia Regional State

Abstract

Societies world-wide have long used tradition mechanisms to prevent and resolve conflicts. Unless conflict is managed properly, it results in political, social and economic destruction of human beings. The main objective of this study was to assess the practice of gumaa in traditional conflict resolution mechanism in the study area. Specifically, the study identified the extent in which gumaa is practiced; the common causes of conflict; the roles of gumaa in reconciling the disputing and the challenges encounter gumaa in the study area. The study was conducted using a sample of 85respondents who have ever experienced disputes. The respondents were selected using purposive sampling technique. Moreover, focus group discussions and interview were employed to collect qualitative data. The study findings reveal that the main causes of land conflicts are poor demarcation of boarder, inheritance problem and shortage of land and others. The study further explored the advantage of indigenous conflict resolution systems and practices of peace building. The resident’s respondents who have used indigenous method of conflict resolution system helped them to save their money and time. Because of using this indigenous conflict resolution system, they have been restoring their relationship and inviting their conflict party and support each other. Furthermore, the study finds that to capacitate the ability of local elders the woreda government support is only confined to providing training and the process of selecting trainee is filed by corrupt practices. Lack of office for local elders was another challenge for the task of these local elders to perform their activity. In addition, the Federal and regional governments release the prisoners following the coming of New Year before finishing their punishment and this is believed to aggravate the problem in which the victim side often takes revenge because of dissatisfaction with the decision of the government. To conclude, gumaa is a complete customary peace making mechanism where elders take the lions share