College of Social Sciences & Humanities
URI for this communityhttps://rps.wku.edu.et/handle/123456789/45784
College of Social Sciences & Humanities
Browse
1 results
Search Results
Item THE ROLE OF MULTI-STAKEHOLDERS IN RESOLVING MESKAN and MAREKO ETHNIC CONFLICT IN CASE GURAGE ZONE OF SNNPRS ETHIOPIA(WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, 2023-12) ABAYNEH ARGAYE TUJIThe purpose of this study is to investigate the role of these multi-stakeholders in resolving Meskan and Mareko ethnic conflict. Methodologically, the researcher used qualitative research approach with descriptive research design. Predominantly the study was conducted based on primary sources of data; however secondary sources of data were also used. The tools used to collect data were; interview, focus group discussion (FGD) and document analysis. Purposive sampling was also used to select the participants for the interview and FGD. The data collected using different data collection instruments were organized in to five themes and analyzed in accordance with the research questions and objectives of the study. Based on the finding of this study, many lives and properties were destroyed in the conflict between Mareko and Meskan communities. For this reasons, various parties participated in order to stop the conflict and bring the society to peace. Among the parties involved in resolving the conflict are the government bodies, custom conflict resolution systems and religious leaders. In sum, the study explored the role of these bodies (the local government, the customary conflict resolution system and religious institutions) as well as their mutual integration in solving the conflict and examines the challenges that embedded the conflict from being resolved. Although the conflict was resolved with the help of these bodies, especially the customary conflict resolution system, but ethnic group's (Mareko) side says government did not respond to the legal decision. Despite the concerns the main conclusion of this study is that the conflict between the two ethnic groups has been resolved, and community solidarity has enabled mutual relations to continue. Finally, this study indicates that to prevent similar ethnic conflict in the locality the ruling parties should be cautious and consider legal basis when demarcating the border between the two Woredas/communities. Furthermore when conflict occurs, it should be resolved through established legal basis and customary conflict resolution mechanisms by avoiding any politically affiliated intervention.