The Role Of Community Elders In Peacekeeping And Conflict Resolution (Case Of Elfeta Woreda West Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

The effectiveness of traditional conflict resolution has been shown in Ethiopia. Finding out how community elders contribute to dispute resolution in the context of Traditional conflict resolution by Elders,in Elfata woreda, was the primary goal of the study. In the study, both primary and secondary data were employed, and both qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used for analysis. Through interviews and questionnaires, the data were gathered. 146 people took part in the study, and three Kebeles were purposefully chosen. The case study research approach was employed in the study. An extensive interview with informants is required for this. A questionnaire was given to the chosen individuals. Respondents were asked to fill out a questionnaire with details on some of the core problems in the study's goals. These finding was a direct bearing on the fundamentally sound components of conflict resolution that could support elder-friendly cultures. Through this medium, it has been discovered that Elders not only fulfill the essential tasks of a reconciliation system for disputing parties, but they also uphold communal peace. However, because it lacks a more comprehensive change in recent years, this idea is at odds with reality regarding the function of elders in Elfata woreda. Therefore, this research has presented a strong case to support the claim based on the findings. As a result, it was critical to greatly increase community involvement as Elders' partners. Elfata district must address these gaps by raising community and contemporary society knowledge on a deep level. According to information gathered from key informants, the institution's main weaknesses are the absence of encouraging and strengthening policies from the government and community, the community's lack of acceptance of Christianity, and the younger generation's disrespect for local customs and values. As a result, the study suggested that everyone involved in the study area accept responsibility for resolving the traditional dispute resolution mechanism's shortcomings