Indigenous Values, Beliefs, and Systems for Peacebuilding

The Case of the Jarssaa Gurachaa Inter-Ethnic Indigenous Institution in South-Central Ethiopia

Abstract

This study explores the role of indigenous values, beliefs, and systems in peacebuilding, focusing on the case of Jarssaa Gurachaa, an inter-ethnic indigenous peacebuilding institution among the Libido-Mareko, Meskan-Gurage, Oromo, and Silte ethnic groups in South-Central Ethiopia. The research employs a qualitative methodology, drawing on focus group discussions, interviews, and observations from multiple woredas in the Oromia and Central Ethiopia Regional States. It explores how the system, rooted in indigenous values and beliefs,, such as Seera and Feroo, and ritualistic practices like Gudda, Qaala-Maala, and Hodaa, functions effectively in resolving conflicts and promoting social harmony. Furthermore, the study examines how indigenous values and beliefs in multi-ethnic settings contribute to peacebuilding. The findings reveal that these normative frameworks play a crucial role in sustaining peace by promoting social cohesion and addressing conflicts holistically, considering both immediate disputes and long-term relationships within and between communities. The adaptability of these systems, especially in multi-ethnic settings, ensures the resolution of conflicts without the lingering animosities that modern legal frameworks often fail to address. By focusing on reconciliation, collective well-being, and the preservation of social bonds, the Jarssaa Gurachaa system offers a viable alternative to formal judicial systems. This study also discusses how the values and beliefs within these indigenous mechanisms could inform contemporary peacebuilding strategies in Ethiopia and similar multi-ethnic societies, offering valuable insights into the integration of indigenous knowledge with modern frameworks.