The Role of Traditional Social Institution <i>“Mada'a”</i> <i>in</i> Afar Region in Crime Prevention - The Case of Asaita Woreda

The role of traditional social institutions in maintaining social order in general and crime prevention in particular is very indispensable. Despite the importance of the role of traditional social institutions in crime prevention, academic attention to this issue is still being determined. This study was conducted on the role of the traditional social institution "made" a" in afar region in Crime prevention.<i> Mada'a</i> is Afar customary law practiced around all Afar communities and does not limit law in some areas. <i>mada'a</i> is Afar customary law that plays a crucial role in preventing deviance and crime in the Afar community. Moreover<i>, mada'a</i> classified criminal acts into five types, namely: 1) crime against life, 2) crime against the body, 3) crime against the property, 4) crime related to adultery, and 5) crime of insult. For this reason, Asaita woreda was selected because it is the center of Ausa sultanet, where steadily practiced the Afar Mada "a particularly around Hinnale and Barga Kebels. Ausa sultanate is a form of indigenous governance system where power is vested in or leader of remaining Afar sultanates. The study employed only a qualitative research method and used purposive sampling. The researchers used 100 participants (43 people for in-depth interviews, 38 people for Focus Group Discussion, and 19 people for Key Informant Interview) from Asaiyta Woreda. The researchers employed data collection methods and used a meticulously prepared interview checklist, Focus Group Discussion guide, and key informant questions as the key instruments. The study explored the various roles and functions, which are mada'a, <i>Xinta,</i> and <i>cello</i>, which can play a significant role in Ausa communities, and mada'a is a fundamental rule to prevent crime and deviance in the community. The study also found out the various unwritten social rules and norms and considered that there are a lot of unwritten social rules and norms. One of is <i>afkaaqik maqaadih madqa</i>, which is <i>ausa sultan</i>. The study recommended that the people and government strongly support<i> mada'a</i> and must be linked to institutional support, capacity building, and structural arrangements.