This study deals with indigenous conflict resolution mechanism in Rural Alamata woreda specifically in the institution called Mezard exercised by the Raya people. The study was aimed at examining the Mezard indigenous institution of conflict resolution. The research design employed for this study was case study research design. To this end purposive sampling design was used, employing 24 total sample sizes. Its composition was from indigenous judges, court leaders, to explore the sustainability of the institution, the enforceability, strengths and weaknesses and its role in maintaining peace and stability in the area. This study was conducted using unstructured interview as the main data collection instrument along with focus group discussion employing open ended questions to supplement the data gathered from the key informants. Accordingly, the study finding shows sustainability of the institution is being in formidable challenges, this is mainly because of its less attention on transferring the practice to the young generation and some forces of modernization, etc. With regard to enforceability, the decisions passed by the institution are found to be high in being accepted by the community of the study area. In order to integrate Mezard indigenous conflict resolution mechanism with the formal court legalizing their role and defining their jurisdiction is so important. In addition advancing affirmative action, increasing the income of women by creating new job opportunities, give chance the youth to decide on their matters continually, raising finance generated from the community, etc can help the sustainability of the Mezard institution of conflict resolution.
Key words: Erq, indigenous conflict resolution, Mezard, Tabia, Wonz
Table of Contents
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
1.2. Statement of the Problem
1.3. Research Questions
1.4. Objective of the Study
1.4.1. General Objectives
1.4.2. Specific Objectives
1.5. Significance of the Study
1.6. Scope and Limitation of the Study
1.7. Definition of Concepts
Chapter Two: Review of Related Literature
2.1. The Concept of Conflict
2.1.1. Types of Conflict
2.2. Indigenous Conflict Resolution
2.2.1. Advantages and Disadvantages of Indigenous Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
2.2.2. Actors in Indigenous Conflict Resolution Mechanism
2.2.3. Sustainability of Indigenous Conflict Resolution Mechanism
2.2.4. Enforceability of Indigenous Conflict Resolution Mechanism
2.3. African Traditional Institutions of Conflict Resolution
Chapter Three: Research Methodology
3.1. Site Selection and Description of the Study Area
3.2. Data Type and Source
3.3. Research Design and Strategy
3.4. Sampling Technique and Procedure
3.5. Data Collection and Instruments
3.6. Data Analysis and Interpretation
Chapter Four: Results and Discussions
4.1. Sources and Type of Conflicts in Rural Alamata Woreda
4.2. Historical Foundation and Development of Mezard Institution
4.2.1. The jurisdiction of the Mezard
4.2.2. Actors in Mezard institution
4.2.3. The role and power of the elders in Mezard institution
4.3. Procedure of the Mezard Institution
4.3.1. Type of Murder Case in Mezard
4.3.2. The process of addressing in the murder case in Mezard
4.3.3. The Compensation System in Mezard
4.4. Enforceability of the Mezard Institution of Conflict Resolution
4.5. Relation between Mezard and Formal Court
4.6. Sustainability of the Mezard Institution of Conflict Resolution
4.7. Strengths and Weaknesses
4.7.1. Strengths of the Institution
4.7.2. Weaknesses of the Institution
Chapter Five: Conclusion and Recommendation
5.1. Conclusion
5.2. Recommendation
Research Objectives and Themes
This study aims to assess the indigenous conflict resolution mechanism known as "Mezard," practiced by the Raya people in the rural Alamata woreda of Ethiopia, specifically investigating its sustainability, enforceability, and its functional relationship with formal state legal systems.
- Analysis of the historical origins and organizational structure of the Mezard institution.
- Examination of conflict types, sources, and resolution procedures managed by local elders.
- Assessment of the institutional sustainability and the impact of modernization on traditional practices.
- Investigation into the enforceability of decisions made by indigenous tribunals and their recognition by formal courts.
Excerpt from the Book
4.2. Historical inception and Development of Mezard institution
According to the key household informants, Mezard is the name of a person and his name is taken as one of the name of Rayan “Wonzs” which means house of elder fathers. His birth place was a controversial issue as it is discussed by the members of the focus group discussion, some of them trace his birth to Areza in Eritrea, while others claim that his birth place is in Temben, and then he further came to Raya area in specific highland area named as Kidanemhret or Jan Amora.
During his existence, he disagrees and fought with lowland part of Raya Oromo. Initially, Mezard could not defeat the lowland Oromos, but later one person called Abeto with his soldiers came from northern Tigray to the area and settled in the highland area named as “Tebaba Ber”. And then, both Mezard and Abeto tried to discuss each other for collaboration to defeat the low land Oromos. After the victory, Mezard, with his neighboring governors Geberemedhin and Boza spreads indigenous laws in Imbabrko to the east of Waja specifically in the place known as Hudad. These laws are related to criminal laws (e.g. Murder case) and civil laws (e.g. Marriage case). According to oral tradition, the document of their agreement is found in Kurfa Arfa a place found to the south of Waja.
Summary of Chapters
Chapter One: Introduction: Outlines the background of indigenous conflict resolution, states the research problem regarding the sustainability of the Mezard institution, and defines the research questions and objectives.
Chapter Two: Review of Related Literature: Examines theoretical frameworks regarding the nature of conflict, indigenous resolution mechanisms in Africa, and the role of traditional institutions in promoting peace and justice.
Chapter Three: Research Methodology: Describes the descriptive case study design, the purposive sampling of 24 respondents, and the qualitative data collection tools, including interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis.
Chapter Four: Results and Discussions: Presents findings on the sources of conflict, the history and procedures of the Mezard institution, its enforceability, its relationship with the formal court, and an analysis of its strengths and weaknesses.
Chapter Five: Conclusion and Recommendation: Summarizes the study's conclusions regarding the importance of the Mezard system for social cohesion and offers recommendations for preserving the institution through community and governmental support.
Keywords
Mezard, Erq, indigenous conflict resolution, Raya, Tabia, Wonz, Alamata, traditional justice, reconciliation, customary law, social cohesion, conflict management, mediation, arbitration, indigenous institutions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on the indigenous conflict resolution mechanism called "Mezard" in the rural Alamata woreda, Tigray Region, Ethiopia, assessing its functionality, sustainability, and legal status.
What are the central themes of the work?
Key themes include the historical development of the Mezard institution, the role of community elders, the procedural aspects of conflict resolution, and the interplay between traditional customary law and formal state legal structures.
What is the main research question?
The study seeks to assess how the Mezard institution handles conflicts, specifically focusing on its effectiveness, the enforceability of its decisions, and its current sustainability in the face of modernization.
Which research methodology was employed?
The study utilized a qualitative research approach with a case study design, involving in-depth interviews with elders and court officials, focus group discussions, and observation.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body details the origins of Mezard, the specific procedures used to resolve criminal and civil disputes, the compensation systems used in murder cases, and the institution's ongoing relationship with the regional formal court system.
Which keywords best characterize this study?
The study is best characterized by terms such as Mezard, Erq, indigenous conflict resolution, Raya, Tabia, and traditional justice.
How is the "Mezard" institution structured?
It is headed by "elder fathers" and is organized in a democratic, tiered structure where elders are elected by the community to serve as judges and mediators within their localities.
How does the institution handle murder cases?
The institution categorizes murder into "key dem" (accidental/negligent) and "tikur dem" (intentional) and employs reconciliation rituals, blood money compensation, and social pressure to restore harmony between the families involved.
What is the role of women in the Mezard institution?
Women, organized in a group called "Duberti," play a significant role in the initial stages of conflict resolution by requesting negotiation and reconciliation, though they have limited direct roles in the formal decision-making body.
- Quote paper
- Yonas Berhe (Author), 2012, An Assessment of Indigenous Conflict Resolution Mechanism of Mezard in Rural Alamata Woreda, Tigray National Regional State, Ethiopia, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/214145
