Managing Inter-ethnic Conflict through Indigenous Institutions: Case of Siltie and Mareko Communities in Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to investigate the role of local governments and indigenous institutions in managing ethnic conflict between Silte and Mareko ethnic group in Southern Ethiopia. To attain this objective, the study employed both secondary and primary data sources. The primary data were gathered through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observations. Secondary data were obtained through a critical review of related literature and documents. Both primary and secondary data were organized thematically and analyzed through systematic interpretation and triangulation of various sources. The finding of the study uncovered that the sources of the conflict lies in the economic, social and political realms. The conflict management interventions employed both formal and informal mechanisms to deal with the conflict. The formal mechanism via local governments took over border demarcation project, whereas the informal/indigenous dealt with the contested resource based conflict. The indigenous mechanism via elders has proved less effective to address the scarce resource problem and has remained a challenge to local peace. Finally, this study suggested that respective local governments along with local peace actors should responsibly work together to manage the problem in constructive ways. In addition, certain transformative actions should also be made in the post border demarcation to nurture local peace.