ASSES THE ROLE INDIGENOUS CONFLICT RESOLUTION PRACTICIES: THE CASE OF WEJERAT COMMUNITY IN SOUTHEAST TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

This research was carried out to assess the position of the role of indigenous conflict resolution mechanism and democratization of the Wejerat community in the southern part of Tigray. To conduct this study, the researcher employed the qualitative methodology. Focus group discussions, in depth interview and participant observation were used to obtain the necessary data from the sample respondents in four tabeyas namely Gonkua, Bahri Tseba and Senale and sebebera. On top of this, the research observed at various scholarly articles related to the role of indigenous conflict resolution and promoting peace. The findings of the study showed that conflict prevails in Wejerat community. The conflicts are mostly caused by Hizaeti (grazing land), farm land .The study also revealed that in the traditional conflict resolution, the community mostly employs the win - win approach on which there is neither a looser nor a winner, but issues are compromised for mutual gain. Moreover, it was found that indigenous conflict resolution mechanism seem to be more appropriate than the modern ones or the court in conflict resolution because they are not easily exposed to bribery , are good at bringing sustainable peace, and they are more helpful in time management.