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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Peace-making from within: the tradition of conflict resolution in Northern Afar, Ethiopia
Author:Tafere, Kelemework
Year:2013
Periodical:Ethiopian Journal of the Social Sciences and Humanities (ISSN 1810-4487)
Volume:9
Issue:1
Pages:57-77
Language:English
Geographic term:Ethiopia
Subjects:Afar
conflict resolution
popular justice
pastoralists
External link:https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ejossah/article/view/90018
Abstract:This article is based on a study among the Afar pastoralists of northeastern Ethiopia on local traditions of resolving inter-clan and inter-ethnic conflict. The findings of the study reveal an increase in inter-clan conflict over the past fifty years. The major source of conflict has been competition over scarce natural resources including grazing land and water. Conflict resolution lies in the hands of councils of elders representing different clans in northern Afar selected on the basis of age, wisdom, honesty and proper knowledge of local conditions. Inter-clan and inter-ethnic conflicts are better addressed by the indigenous institutions because of their participatory, transparent and flexible nature. Government politico-judiciary institutions such as the local court and security forces often play a facilitating role to complement traditional structures. The ritual of peace-making often involves compensation and the sharing of food and drinks to symbolize the end of animosity between conflicting parties. The sedentarization of the Afar has had negative impacts on inter-clan conflicts and the way such conflicts are handled. Sedentary life resulted in further fragmentation of Afar culture and social organization and the breakup of traditional pastoral institutions upon which strong economic and social support networks were built. The paper recommends an adequate recognition of traditional peace-making institutions and integration of the formal and informal institutions. Bibliogr., notes, sum. [Journal abstract, edited]
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