Ethiopia: The Roles of the Council of Elders (Menguddo) in Gumma Customary Institution of Conϐlict Resolution

Abstract

This study was conducted on the roles of the council of elders in Gumma customary institution of con lict resolution in the Meiso district of northeastern Oromia regional administration. The main objective was to examine the roles of the council of elders in Gumma customary mechanisms of peace-making with a prime focus on informal indigenous structures. An attempt was made to assess the roles of the council of elders in Gumma customary institution in addressing the political and socioeconomic arena, the organisational governance structure of the Gumma system, how it functions and also assesses its judicial procedures in the process of con lict resolution. The paper found out that the Gumma customary institution is most effective and ef icient for inter-intra clan con licts than inter-ethnic con licts. The processes of Gumma in addressing con licts involve a series of ritual practices that aims to reintegrate the unity of the community which was broken down and fractured due to past atrocities. People are obedient to this customary system. As a result of this, people seem keen not to protract hostilities that may eventually divide the community members. It is through their elders and community leaders that the important issues pertinent to the unity and social stability will be addressed. The Meiso area Oromo clans have the council of elders (Menguddo) through which inter-clan con licts are sorted out and thoroughly addressed. The local assemblies function as customary courts whose rules and regulations derive from shared norms and mutually binding value systems. The paper concludes that while the customary system is an ef icient means of dealing with con licts in the study area, an integration of the customary and modern systems is needed for sustainable peace and development in the region.