The Qaalluu institution: An indigenous peacebuilding practice among the Gujii Oromoo in southern Ethiopia

Abstract

We examine how the Qaalluu institution contributes to peacemaking and the administration of justice among the Gujii community. The Qaalluu institution is one of the many Gujii Oromoo indigenous institutions of conflict resolution, used exclusively to settle various types of charged disputes. By examining the histories of the community and neighboring ethnic groups, our study revealed that Abba Qaallu is a vital leader who governs all aspects of social, environmental, and political life. The Qaalluu institution, led by Abba Qaallu, is an organized structure composed of counselors that governs Gujii Oromoo and other neighboring ethnic groups, following supernatural (Waaqa’s) law and order.