Indigenous Inter-Ethnic Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Institution The case of Gurraacha among the People of South Central Ethiopia

Abstract

This article has dealt with Gurraacha institution, which is very important in inter-ethnic peace building and resolving conflict among peoples of south central Ethiopia. This institution was named after the Oromo term ‗Gurraacha‘ (literally meaning black) to indicate the power of the institution in inter-ethnic peace building and conflict resolution. It is one elements of Oromo Gadaa system which was established time immemorial to sustain peace between Oromo and non-Oromo neighboring ethnic groups. The data for this study was collected through interview, observation and focus group discussion. As revealed by this study, Gurraacha institution is a guarantee for sustaining peace among peoples of south central Ethiopia by managing conflict over boundary, grazing land, looting cattle and water points. Overall, the study concluded that Gurraacha institution has real significance in inter-ethnic peace-building and sustaining social harmony and inter-ethnic conflict resolution. Therefore, using this indigenous institution for future policy formulation in the country as inter-ethnic peace building and conflict resolution model was important for the realization of sustainable peace and development.