BY MEKLIT WONDEWOSSEN
(Part II)
Traditional Conflict Resolution System Before the introduction of the modern administrative system in the Gofa nation, had its own independent traditional administrative system and the elders explains that there was a traditional conflict resolution system to resolve disputes and conflicts.
When the elders explain this method of conflict resolution, they also explain the causes of conflicts, to name a few among the origins of conflicts, grazing land, water issues, border issues; Kidnapping marriages, robbery, and burning the wealth and crops of other areas and grazing them with cattle are the main issues, and they also include conflicts caused by one teenager relying on his wealth and lineage to marry the woman he loves if the other does not marry her.
In order to avoid conflicts caused for these reasons, famous elders and wealthy people, who use traditional conflict resolution methods, have been using children and youths to resolve conflicts since ancient times. The parties who take responsibility for the elimination of the conflict are 1st / Khao Babo, Arasha Guda Mocha, Baga Deda Douga and Chafara, who are respected and accepted by the nation and who carry out traditional rituals. One doesn’t not receive deviations from the executives.
Even if there is no party, they will be condemned by the local tradition. If found not to do this, the disobedient party will be banned from any social services. It is never possible to deviate from the decision of the elders, as offenders face the same pressures such as forbidding water and fire, not asking when they are sick, and not burying them when they die.
When the conflict settlement begins, for example, if there is death or physical injury say on one of the parties, the elders are gathered and elected according to the traditional conflict resolution mechanism (under the leadership of Btanteu, approaching the aggrieved party they say, “we have made a mistake, we have done wrong, we have come to apologize for th e wrong done, have mercy on us, accept our appologies) Tuuggeesseedda. They explain that they have no other option but to reconcile. To conduct the ceremony, they head to the door of the Babou or the door of the Batante, After the completion of the reconciliation in front of the elders, a bull is slaughtered. They anoint the lighted horse, which is an oath of the covenant that there will be no seeking of revenge for another time.
If it doesn’t end there or you don’t accept the settlement, either party can appeal. And it is Kaow who hears the appeal. It is impossible to go beyond Kaow.
The main and key purpose of these elders who usually put children and youths in their midst is to instill the good values that have been passed down in the society, so that the youth and children will be able to address the conflicts that arise in the society at the next age when they will replace the elders. They do not want to pass away without passing it down from generation to generation, thinking that there should not be a gap between the generations;
Compensation system in traditional conflict resolution system in Gofa nation (acawogga)
Even if there is no specific term about the compensation system in conflict resolution, there will be a compensation system for those whose body is missing and whose property is destroyed; In other words, it may not be money, elders explain that it will be in kind, Offenders can provide goats, sheep, butter, etc. to the kasau. They will contribute to objects of attack whose property has been destroyed. They compensate them by providing grain and clothes. And while they rebuild fire gutted houses, women prepare food from their own homes. They make surevictims have additional consumption goods for the future by way of facilitating the reconciliation and reconstruction work. In the meantime, the reconciliation ceremony is performed.
Advantages of traditional conflict resolution
Traditional conflict resolution has many upsides;- Among these, it removes hatred and hatred, and prevents revenge; It creates love and mutual affection. It develops values of solidarity and also creates social interaction. Economically, it saves labor time and money, and avoids unnecessary court appointments and procedures. It also results in increased profitability by reducing losses and other expenses. In politics, they have the impression that communalism creates strength and unity of purpose in the environment, so they can discuss and solve the problems of disagreements. So they are of the opinion that it is better than the traditional court system to eliminate the old cultural conflict.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 5 JANUARY 2023
