ARBA MINCH – Efforts to register the Gamo Dubusha cultural tradition with UNESCO are progressing, aiming to preserve its values for future generations and promote indigenous conflict resolutions, the zonal chief said.
Speaking to The Ethiopian Herald, Gamo Zone Chief Administrator Abayneh Abera noted that in collaboration with Arba Minch University and the Ethiopian Heritage Authority, the zone administration is working to secure UNESCO recognition for Dubusha, ensuring its legacy is preserved and shared globally.
He also emphasized the significance of Dubusha’s teachings, which reflect a deep commitment to truth, respect, and reconciliation- essential elements for fostering peaceful coexistence.
“The core of Dubusha is about speaking the truth, making judgments based on truth, and promoting respect,” the administrator explained. He highlighted how elders, known as Derie, oversee disputes within their communities, addressing conflicts with a focus on peace and unity. Police records from the state indicate that more than 67 percent of local disputes are resolved through this traditional system.
Abayneh underscored that Dubusha offers a more sustainable approach to peace compared to modern legal systems, as it encourages victims and offenders to reconcile without revenge. “The goal is to restore empathy and rebuild relationships,” he said, describing the cultural meetings as spaces for healing and harmony.
Respect for elders is deeply ingrained in Gamo society, with young people taught to honor the wisdom of the older generation. “Disrespecting elders is seen as a grave sin and a social taboo,”Abayneh noted. To further promote these values, efforts are underway to document the culture through journals, pamphlets, and exhibitions.
The administrator also stressed the relevance of indigenous practices for addressing modern conflicts: “Our country needs solutions rooted in its own culture. Gamo elders have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to mediate disputes and restore peace.”
BY MEKDES TAYE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 18 OCTOBER 2024
