Documentation and Description of Traditional Conflict Resolution of Sebat Bet Gurage: The Case of Chaha Gurage
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Date
2015-04
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Conflict is inevitable. Different societies handle it in various traditional and modern ways.
Gurage people in general and Cheha of Sebat bet Gurage in particular have their own
traditional institutions that maintain peace and prevent conflict. Thus the aim of this study is to
analyze conflict resolution mechanism of Sebat Bet Gurage with reference to Cheha Gurarge.
The study investigates the causes and types of conflict among Cheha Gurarge. To investigate this
qualitative study design is used. In-depth interview is employed to collect data from key
informants like elders and opponents. Accordingly, the causes of conflict among Cheha Gurage
can broadly be classified into social and economic domains. Social instability and quarrel are
among the causes of the conflict that resulted in life losses. Car or traffic accident is the other
emerging factor responsible for mortality of many innocent people. Conflicts of all type mostly
resolved through traditional ways. The cases are traditionally adjudicated by elders in
accordance with the customary law called Kitcha. The elder’s council takes place under
podocurpus tree /Yejoka. As the homicide conflict case resolved through the customary way, the
process can be seen in three phases. The first phase is Hetrat/cease fire where the conflicting
parties are protected from further destruction. In the second stage litigation takes place among
the disputant parties then verdict shall be given as to the type of murder (intentional or
unintentional). Then, the reconciliation process takes place and a befitting compensation
corresponding to the type of murder shall be given to the victim family’s .They make different
ritual performances in order to clean from the crime. With heart full forgiveness both parties will
avoid revenge and can live ahead peacefully. Having performed the ritual ceremony, parties can
socialize each other.
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modern ways. Gurage people in general