Higher Diploma Program Session Plane (1-6), Reflective Activities and End of Module Self-Assessments

ABSTRACT Various ethnic groups in Ethiopia have their own social institutions that deal with conflicts. Hadiya people are among the ethnic groups of Central Ethiopia Region and they have their own conflict resolution mechanisms. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the role of social institutions in conflict resolution mechanisms among Hadiya people in Hadiya Zone's Mirab Badewacho Woreda. The research was conducted focusing on the "Anjam Seera" among the Badewacho Community of Hadiya Zone. To achieve the objective of the study, qualitative research methods were employed, and both primary and secondary sources of data were used. In terms of sample size, 36 informants who have experience in conflict resolution among the Hadiya community and cases of conflict resolved by this institution participated in the study. The findings of the study suggest that conflicts in Hadiya, as anywhere else, may vary from trivial interpersonal disagreements to a serious dispute which might eventually lead to homicide. The most common types of conflict in Hadiya are theft, robbery, family disputes over inheritance of properties, disputes over killing someone, homicide, arson, and abduction. The "Anjam Seera" conflict resolution mechanism contributed to dealing with such types of conflicts to save the time and cost of those involved in processing cases with the legal system. The actors, such as community elders and clan leaders of Anjancho, Dadacho, and Giich lomana elders, play a great role in resolving conflicts by reducing their further escalation. Thus, parties in dispute usually prefer their case to be resolved through the traditional social institution for its lasting effect in restoring peace and security and for killing a sense of revenge. Those Social institutions have unique mechanisms for solving conflicts in society and must be preserved for the next generation. Anjam Seera elder’s institution is currently challenged by the government's low attention to promoting and preserving its value for the future and the absence of documented research on procedures and roles among the community, challenging its value among the young generations. Thus, it was recommended that concerned bodies should play a great role in empowering and preserving the indigenous social institutions of Anjam Seera.