Inter-ethnic conflict is one of the serious challenges in any multi-ethnic federation like Ethiopia. This study deals with the inter-ethnic conflict between the Guji and Koore ethnic groups. The main aim of this thesis is to examine the underlying causes, contributing factors, actors, dynamics, and impacts of the inter-ethnic conflict in the study area.
The findings of this study reveal that the Guji and Koore have had a long history of friendly coexistence and occasional conflict. In earlier times, the Guji-Koore conflict was caused by competition over land resources for farming and grazing. Nevertheless, after three decades, conflicts have intensified and changed due to a range of factors, including the formal creation of NNPs and changes in the federal structure of Ethiopia. The actors involved in the conflict were individual agriculturalists and agro-pastoralists, youth and adults, the OLF fighters, the political elites and women, who played a role by aggravating and encouraging the people. Indeed, the study revealed and analyzed the consequences and impacts of the Guji-Koore conflict: socially, the previous mutual relationship is being eroded; free movement of the people in the conflicted Kebeles is restricted; economically, individual houses of both Guji and Koore were burned and people were displaced from their residences; and politically, the accountability and responsibility of government officials in making decisions related to managing and resolving the inter-ethnic conflict are reduced.
To manage the conflict and build peace in the study area, formal and indigenous mechanisms of conflict management and peacebuilding were undertaken. However, the attempts failed to address the root causes of the conflict and build lasting peace. In the study area, weak local government institutions, a lack of effective illegal arms control, a lack of trust and communication, a lack of involvement of all actors, and hybrid peace in conflict resolution are obstacles to sustainable peace between the Guji and Koore ethnic groups. The current study shows that the area needs immediate attention from all concerned bodies and should implement different mechanisms and strategies to bring peace to the study area.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Acknowledgement
- Table of Content
- List of Map
- List of Acronyms and Abbreviations
- Abstract
- CHAPTER ONE
- Introduction
- Background of the Study
- Statement of the problem
- Objectives of the Study
- General Objective
- Specific objectives
- Research Questions
- Significance of the Study
- Scope of the Study
- Limitations of the Study
- Organization of the study
- CHAPTER TWO
- REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
- Introduction
- Conceptual Literature Review
- Definitions and Concepts of Ethnicity, Ethnic Identity, Conflict and Ethnic-Conflicts
- Theoretical Framework
- The Instrumentalist Approach
- The Constructivist Approach
- The Empirical Review
- The General Overview: Causes of Inter-Ethnic Conflict
- The Ethiopian Causes of Inter-Ethnic Conflicts
- Mechanism of Conflict Management: General Overview
- Inter-Ethnic Conflict Management: The Ethiopian Experience
- Effects of Inter-Ethnic Conflict
- CHAPTER THREE
- RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
- Introduction
- Description of the Study Area
- Research Methods
- Research Design
- Sources of Data
- Instruments of Data Collection
- In-depth interview
- Focus group discussions (FGDs)
- Written Documents
- Sampling technique and sample size determination
- Method of Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Ethical Considerations
- CHAPTER FOUR
- DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
- The Relations of the Guji-Oromo and Koore: Peaceful relations
- Everyday Peace in Guji-Koore Relations
- Economic Interdependence: Local Markets and Trade
- Socio-Cultural Practices: Inter-Marriage Relations, Shared food and Shared Language
- Conflictual Relations
- The Causes of the Inter-Ethnic Conflict in Guji-Koore
- The structural (root) causes
- Contributing Factors
- Actors and their Interests
- Effects of the Guji-Koore inter-ethnic conflict
- Social Effects
- Economic Effects
- Political Effects
- The Dynamics of Guji-Koore Inter-Ethnic Conflict
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The thesis explores the complex issue of inter-ethnic conflict in southern Ethiopia, focusing specifically on the case of the Guji-Oromo and Koore communities. The primary objective is to analyze the causes, dynamics, and effects of this conflict, drawing on both theoretical frameworks and empirical data. The study aims to contribute to a better understanding of inter-ethnic relations in the region and to inform potential conflict management strategies.
- Causes of inter-ethnic conflict in the Guji-Koore region
- Dynamics of conflict between the Guji-Oromo and Koore communities
- Effects of the conflict on social, economic, and political aspects of life in the region
- Exploration of existing conflict management mechanisms in Ethiopia
- Potential avenues for promoting peaceful coexistence and conflict resolution
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Chapter One provides a comprehensive introduction to the study, outlining the background of the Guji-Oromo and Koore communities, the problem statement, research questions, and objectives. It also highlights the significance of the study and its limitations. Chapter Two delves into a comprehensive review of relevant literature, exploring conceptual definitions and theoretical frameworks related to ethnicity, ethnic identity, conflict, and ethnic conflicts. It further investigates the causes of inter-ethnic conflict in Ethiopia and examines various conflict management strategies. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology employed in the study, describing the study area, data collection methods, sampling techniques, and data analysis procedures. It also discusses ethical considerations. Chapter Four presents the findings of the study, analyzing the historical relations between the Guji-Oromo and Koore communities, exploring the causes of the conflict, and examining its various effects.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This thesis focuses on inter-ethnic conflict in Southern Ethiopia, specifically examining the case of the Guji-Oromo and Koore communities. Key themes include ethnicity, ethnic identity, conflict, conflict management, peacebuilding, socio-cultural relations, economic interdependence, and political dynamics.
- Quote paper
- Tilahun Wakgari (Author), 2023, Inter-ethnic conflict in southern Ethiopia. The case of Guji-Oromo and Koore, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1407978
