College of Law and Governance

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    ASSESING THE ROLE OF “GEREB’’CONFLICT RESOLUTION MECHANISM; OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN RAYA AZEBO, TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA
    (Mekelle University, 2025-02-17) ASEFU HAILU
    In Ethiopia, a nation characterized by over 80 diverse ethnic groups, traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, such as the “Gereb’’ , play a crucial role in maintaining social harmony and stability. Unlike Western individualistic approaches, African communal living emphasizes collective responsibility in addressing conflicts. This study explores indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms in Raya Azebo Woreda, focusing on the traditional institution known as Gereb. The primary objective is to assess the effectiveness of Gereb in handling conflicts within the community. To achieve this, a qualitative research methodology was employed, collecting data from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were gathered through semistructured interviews and focus group discussions with key informants using open-ended questions. The research design used is case study. A purposive sampling technique was applied to ensure the collection of relevant and in-depth evidence. The study analyzes conflicts through the lens of community experiences, opinions, attitudes, and relationships while identifying the underlying reasons behind these conflicts. The findings indicate that the Gereb institution plays a significant role in resolving local disputes and contributing to the advancement of modern institutions. It fosters social harmony, peace, and security by bringing conflicting parties together and facilitating reconciliation. Moreover, it is a cost-effective and time-efficient alternative compared to modern judicial systems. To enhance its effectiveness, integrating Gereb with the formal court system is crucial, ensuring its decisions are legally recognized. However, challenges exist, including governmental mismanagement, generational shifts, and the influence of modernization, which threaten the institution's sustainability. Thus, policy interventions are needed to provide training, incentives, financial support, and formal recognition to strengthen this indigenous conflict resolution mechanism.