Exploring indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms between the Awi and Gumuz ethnic communities in Zigem Woreda, Ethiopia
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JACPR-05-2021-0603 |
| Published date | 03 January 2022 |
| Date | 03 January 2022 |
| Pages | 244-258 |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Criminology & forensic psychology,Aggression,conflict & peace,Sociology,Gender studies,Gender violence,Political sociology,policy & social change,Social conflicts,War/peace |
| Author | Missaye Mulatie Mengstie |
Exploring indigenous conflict resolution
mechanisms between the Awi and Gumuz
ethnic communities in Zigem Woreda,
Ethiopia
Missaye Mulatie Mengstie
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this study is to explore indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms for
resolvingethnic-based conflicts betweenthe Awi and Gumuz communities in Ethiopia.
Design/methodology/approach –This study followed a qualitative research approach and it has a
case study design that is appropriate to collect in-depth information about indigenous mechanisms of
resolving conflicts that arise between Awi and Gumuz ethnic groups. Data were collected through
in-depthinterviews and document review.
Findings –The results revealedthat the Awi and Gumuz ethnic groupsresolve conflict through the elder
council or shimigilina. This indigenous mechanism conflict resolution mechanism is well recognized,
accepted andrespected both by the Awi and Gumuz ethnicgroups. Shimiglina has differentphases and
rituals which arefinally concluded by kale-mehala (oath) or promisingnot to take revenge and harm. The
Awi and Gumuzethnic groups view shimigilina as a vitaland effective conflict resolution mechanism.
Practical implications –This study clearly indicated important implications for policy, practice and
future research. The Awi and Gumuz communities have used the elders’ council (shimiglina) to solve
ethnic-based conflicts for a long time. Therefore, there should be policy frameworks at different levels
(national, regionaland local) for the integration of the elders’ council with the formaljustice system. Put in
other words, this indigenous conflict resolution mechanism should be properly organized and
institutionalized.However, a comprehensive study should be conducted to understandhow to organize
and institutionalizethis indigenous conflict resolutionmechanism.
Originality/value –This is an original study thatcontributes to peacebuilding by discovering the roleof
indigenousknowledge in conflict resolutionand peacebuilding.
Keywords Conflict, Indigenous, Peace, Ethnic groups, Resolution,Awi, Gumuz, Awi and Gumuz
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
Conflict can be categorized as interpersonal conflict, intra-gr oup conflict, inter-group conflict,
inter-organizational conflict, intra-societal conflict and i nter-ethnic conflict (Galtung, 2004).
There are many ethnic conflicts, fragilities and instabilities in the world in general and the
Horn of Africa in particular (Mengistu,2015).
In Ethiopia, there are more than 80 ethno-linguistic communities with different histories,
languages and cultures. Despite tolerance and shared values among the different ethnic
groups in the country, there happen many inter-ethnic conflicts and internal displacements
within and among these ethno-linguistic communities of the country. For instance, the
Silte-Gurage, the Sheko-Megengir, the Anuak-Nuer, the Berta-Gumuz, the Gedeo-Guji, the
Missaye Mulatie Mengstie
is based at the Department
of Psychology, College of
Social Sciences and
Humanities, University of
Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
Received 30 May 2021
Revised 18 July 2021
23 October 2021
Accepted 5 December 2021
The first gratitude goes to the
Africa Peacebuilding Network
(APN) for its funding to this
study. Second, I would like
to thank my supervisor
Prof Gilbert for his constructive
comments and guidance.
I would also like to extend
my heartfelt gratitude to
Mr Asres Matsentu who
tirelessly conducted the
interview. I am also grateful
to the participants, the Zigem
Woreda Communication
and Police Offices for
facilitating and providing
the necessary data.
PAGE 244 jJOURNAL OF AGGRESSION, CONFLICTAND PEACE RESEARCH jVOL. 14 NO. 3 2022, pp. 244-258, ©Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 1759-6599 DOI 10.1108/JACPR-05-2021-0603
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