Psychosocial Roles of Gumaa as an Indigenous Conflict Resolution Mechanism: With Particular Reference to West Arsi Zone

Gumaa is one of the large numbers of Oromo indigenous institutions that helps the community to handle their problems in their own way. It has been, particularly, used to settle blood feuds of various types. Hence, the major purpose of the study was to explore the practices and psychosocial roles of Gumaa as an indigenous conflict resolution mechanism in West Ari Zone. For this purpose, a qualitative research approach was employed in the study. More specifically, three Elders from the victim clan, three elders froneutral elders (intermediaries) from different clans, and seven and one Tourism officer from the zone) were selected by using purposive sampling. Focus Group Discussion and Semi-structure interviews were used for data collection purpose. Thematic data analysis approach was followed. From the data analysis the following major findings were drawn, Gumaa: has a collective focus, has collective compensation payment, ignores the past and focuses on building peaceful future, avoids the escalation of the conflict, uncommon to use witnesses, has no backdoor deals, protects social capital, rehabilitates the emotional trauma, ends animosity and conflict. Based on these findings, some recommendations were forwarded as to how the insights gained in this study could be used to improve future conflict resolution mechanisms.