The Role of Indigenous Institutions in Conflict Resolution. In the Case of Inter-Ethnic Conflict between Argobba and Afar People, Northeast Ethiopia

Abstract or Introduction

This study explores the role of indigenous institutions in conflict resolution, with a focus on the inter-ethnic conflict between Afar and Argobba in the northeastern part of Ethiopia. It investigates the effectiveness of indigenous institutions, such as the Abeggar, religious leaders, and clan leaders, in managing conflicts and promoting reconciliation. The study employs a qualitative research approach, using interviews and focus group discussions with key informants from both communities, observation as a non-participant, case studies, and document analysis.

What are the root-causes of the conflict between the Argobba and the Afar? What has been done by the indigenous institutions to address the conflict between the Afar and the Argobba ethnic groups? What were the limitations and challenges for the indigenous institutions? What has been done to address the gaps in the indigenous institutions of both groups? The researcher sought to comprehend how indigenous institutions handle inter- ethnic conflicts from an outsider’s viewpoint, considering the aforementioned questions. Although this aligns with the primary goals of the study, the research inquiries sought to identify the underlying cause of conflict between the two ethnicities and assess the abilities and drawbacks of current indigenous institutions in resolving inter- ethnic conflicts.

The main focus of this study is to examine the indigenous institutions that have been created to regulate social, political, economic, and religious aspects of life among the Afar and Argobba societies. The study puts special emphasis on the significance of these institutions in resolving inter personal and inter- group disputes, particularly those of inter- ethnic nature. Ethiopia has various native conflict resolution systems and processes that have been utilized for hundreds of years by diverse cultural communities to reestablish justice and preserve harmony. There are various dispute settlement institutions among these two ethnic groups, such as the modern legal system, the indigenous conflict resolution mechanism, and religious institutions that settle conflicts. These approaches enable both communities to resolve their disputes peacefully, strengthen the fabric of their communities, and maintain their social integrity.