Roles of Indigenous Conflict Resolution Mechanisms for Maintaining Social Solidarity and Strengthening Communities in Alefa District, North West of Ethiopia

Abstract

Ethiopia has been practicing various indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms for many centuries. The study on which this article is based was aimed at describing the role of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms for maintaining social solidarity and strengthening communities in Alefa district. Descriptive qualitative research method was used with semi-structured face-to-face interviews to collect data. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. The findings reveals that indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms are more flexible than the formal court procedures. Indigenous conflict resolution typically involves consensus building based on open discussions to exchange information and clarify issues about the conflict. The desired end result of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms is a sense of harmony, solidarity and shared dialogue among conflicting parties not punishment. The absence of clear policy direction in the application of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms has been found to be a limiting factor. Indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms have great untapped potential in maintaining social solidarity among a multiethnic and multicultural society such as Ethiopia where inter-communal conflicts are prevalent.