Customary Conflict Resolution among the Haro Limmu Oromo of Northwest Wallaga: The Case of Qaalluu Institution
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Date
2014-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study deals with the customary institution of conflict resolution among Haro Limmu Oromo
of Northwest Wallaga with particular emphasis on the role of qaalluu institution. The functions
that Oromo indigenous religious institution service for the society other than religious purpose
have rarely been treated in Oromo literature. Thus, this thesis aims to fill this gap by examining
the role of qaalluu institution in conflict resolution and its interaction with other customary
institutions and the formal institution in the area. To realize the intended objectives, the study
employed qualitative approach. Important data for the study were collected from both primary
and secondary sources. The primary data were collected using instruments such as semistructured
in-depth interview, observation, focus group discussion and case study. The data
collected from both sources were organized thematically and analyzed qualitatively. The findings
of the study reveal that economic and socio-cultural factors are the major causes of conflict.
Land related conflicts such as conflict over land ‘ownership’ right, claiming tracts of adjacent
farmland, grazing land and inheritance are the main causes of conflict related with economic
interests. Other causes of conflict like breach of agreement, false witnesses and marital conflicts
which are associated with either socio-cultural or economic factors are also prevalent. The study
demonstrates that diverse cases of civil and criminal matters among the Haro Limmu Oromo are
resolved at customary institutions according to the long lived customary and religious laws.
Qaalluu institutions play a very important role in conflict resolution and reconciliation. In spite
of massive conversion of the people to the modern religions, especially Protestantism, qaalluu
institution continues to serve as a setting of conflict resolution for the society regardless of their
religious and ethnic backgrounds. The regular court hearing sessions of every Saturday and
Sunday continue to resolve various cases ranging from simple to complex that come from broad
geographical areas. The study also showed that the rationale behind persistence use of qaalluu
institution for conflict resolution is deeply rooted in the effectiveness of the institution in dealing with conflicts
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Social Anthropology