THE ROLE OF TADITIONAL SOCIAL INSTITUTION FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION:THE CASE OF BOBENI GELTIITAA OF QEBENA NATION

Abstract

This study is entitled "The Role of Traditional Social Institutions for Conflict Resolution: The Case of Bobeni Geltitaa of the Qebena Nation." The study examined the contribution and roles played by the traditional social institution in resolving conflict in and around the community so far. The study answers four intended questions. (1) What is the perception of the Qebena nation towards conflict and traditional social institutions? (2) What are the main causes of conflict in the study area community that were resolved by traditional social institutions? (3) the impact of traditional social institutions on the everyday social lives of the community members in the study area. The study employed a qualitative instrumental case study as a research methodology; interviews, focus group discussions, and observation were used to generate first-hand data. Purposive sampling was used in order to find resourceful research participants. The participants of the study were elders of both sexes who have various roles in conflict resolution processes, police officers, and government officials who work in and around the area. The analysis and interpretation were made thematically, case by case. The findings of the study show that traditional social institutions are still functional and in place to resolve conflicts. Also, the study comes up with the nature and causes of conflict as well as the mechanisms and institutions for resolving conflict. Such as not keeping words, terms and conditions, family-related issues, religious matters, insults, abductions, adultery, and property destruction are major sources of conflict in the study area. The findings also come up with the means for resolving conflict, which are traditional social institutions. Such institutions as balikii, Ogatti Balikki,Elli Dagnaa, and Qayee balikii are the major traditional social institutions that have made salient