International Journal of
Peace and Development Studies

  • Abbreviation: Int. J. Peace and Dev. Stud
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-6621
  • DOI: 10.5897/IJPDS
  • Start Year: 2010
  • Published Articles: 104

Full Length Research Paper

The role of customary dispute resolution in prompting peacebuilding in Ethiopian federation: The case of dubusha institution of the Gamo People

Zekarias Milkias
  • Zekarias Milkias
  • Center for Federalism and Governance Studies, College of Law and Governance Studies, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
  • Google Scholar
Ketema Wakijira
  • Ketema Wakijira
  • Center for Federalism and Governance Studies, College of Law and Governance Studies, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
  • Google Scholar
Misikir Milkias
  • Misikir Milkias
  • Institute of Technology, School of Chemical and Bio-engineering, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
  • Google Scholar


  •  Received: 15 July 2024
  •  Accepted: 14 October 2024
  •  Published: 31 October 2024

Abstract

This study examines the role of the Dubusha, a customary dispute resolution mechanism of the Gamo people, in promoting peacebuilding within Ethiopia’s federation. A qualitative research approach and a case study design were employed, with extensive interviews of key informants and focus group discussions used to gather primary data. The results were analyzed through narrative and descriptive techniques. The findings reveal that the Dubusha institution, deeply rooted in Gamo culture, plays a crucial role in peaceful dispute resolution and the maintenance of social cohesion. By balancing privacy, confidentiality, and eventual transparency, the Dubusha institution not only complements formal judicial mechanisms of conflict resolution but also supports peacebuilding efforts in Ethiopia’s socio-culturally diverse regions. However, the tension between customary institutions and the formal system continues to challenge the effectiveness of the former in terms of conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Therefore, this study suggests integrating customary institutions like Dubusha into the broader conflict resolution frameworks to achieve sustainable peace.

 

Key words: Dubusha, customary institution, conflict resolution, dispute, peacebuilding, Gamo people, federalism, Ethiopia.