INDIGENOUS RECONCILIATION INSTITUTIONS OF HADIYA, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate the roles that indigenous reconciliation institutions play among Hadiya of Southern Ethiopia. I used qualitative approach in the course of data gathering, interpretation and analysis. The data for this research was drawn from primary sources using in-depth interviews, observation, focus group discussion, case studies and secondary sources such as books, maganizes, reports and articles. The study participants are recruited using purposive sampling technique. The data gathered were analyzed through ethnographic approach and the study seriously has taken into account ethical standards required to conduct ethnographic fieldwork and research. In the finding and discussion part of the study, I explored the role that indigenous reconciliation institutions such as minne, mollo, sullo, giicho, giira, nafarra and wudda, play in achieving reconciliation. It was also discerned from the fieldwork that fandaanano positively contributes to the peaceful resolution of conflicts and peaceful existence of people in the study area. It has become apparent today that the indigenous reconciliation processes in the study area have been subjected to both internal and external infleunces. Due to this reason, there are now external cultural elements being integrated in the conceptualization and practices of reconciliation in the study area. In recent decades, indigenous reconciliation institutions are facing unpredented challenge due to the influence of modernization and secularization. Hence, many of them are now on the verge of extinction due to improper handling, lack of care and attention from governmental and non-gevernmental instituions as well as young people. Therefore, I suggested the conditions of effectively empowering the imperatives of indigenous reconciliation institutions in maintining peace and order in the study area.