EXAMINING OHE: AN INDIGENOUS CONFLICT RESOLUTION MECHANISM AMONG THE KOORE PEOPLE OF SOUTHWESTERN ETHI OPIA

Abstract

Ethiopia is a country with multi-cultural groups having their own indigenous mechanisms of resolving conflict. This research is conducted on ohe which is an indigenous conflict resolution mechanism among the Koore people of Southwestern Ethiopia. Theoretically, this research is related with human needs theory, interaction theory, materialist conception theory, social solidarity theory and theory of symbolic anthropology. In this study, qualitative research approach and ethnographic research design has been employed. In terms of sample size, the study has been conducted in four kebeles of Amaro Special Woreda involving purposely selected participants in the due process of the research phase. To successfully complete the research, relevant data were collected from primary data collection techniques such as interview, observation, focus group discussion and case studies, and secondary sources like books, journal articles, and reports. This research work focus on the types of conflict like family conflict, neighbors’ conflict, conflict at territory level, and conflicts with neighboring communities. This research also address different causes of conflict handled by ohe and those conflicts caused by different factors have their own resolution procedures and rituals performances like blessing, slaughtering and in special cases cursing at each level of the conflict. The roles of ohe institutions like house, out-of-home, territory and the residence of the king have been also addressed in this work. This research also focuses on the context to which ohe applied in the community compared with formal legal system with its opportunities and challenges. Finally, as this vital conflict resolution mechanism of the people is declining, all the community members and concerned government institutions shall play their significant role in maintaining and sustaining it.