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Ethiopia: Traditional Leaders Can Help Prevent Conflicts - Scholars
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The Daily Monitor (Addis Ababa)
30 March 2008
Posted to the web 2 April 2008
Rose Mestika
Addis Ababa
Customary traditional conflict resolution mechanisms have a role to play in mediation efforts by the government and communities in the country, scholars said.
Speaking at a public lecture held at the Hilton on Thursday, the scholars called on the government to work closely with traditional elders to rid of unnecessary negativity and conflicts.
The scholars, Dr. Alula Pankhurst, the son of renowned British historian Richard Pankhurst, and Dr. Dag Hariede made far-reaching presentation about conflict mediation system by making comparisons between the past and present.
Dr. Alula Pankuhrst's lecture was preceded by a short documentary film showing the practice of mediation in the SNNPR where people in Borena, Tesemai, Geleb, Arbore and Southern Omo's people start with a blessing before going to dispute resolution that would normally take a day.
Dr. Alula explained later how Ethiopian traditional conflict resolution differed from that of Scandinavian countries and US.
He said it was far easier for elder people in the traditional Ethiopia to get the public do something or make declarations than it is for the government.
As an example Dr. Alula raised a "lengthy" process required for the Ethiopian's Women Association to get the state enforce the new family law.
He said it took the association over a year.
According to the scholar, customary dispute resolution is strong than state even if it doesn't have legal bases.
Some of his recommendations include developing institutionalized linkage, developing relationship between the actors, encouraging the elders to give attention for gender equality, age, religion, and minority; establishing project, and sharing other countries' experiences.
Dr. Dag gave for his part, said conflict was a normal behavior of human being, and that it meant more than disagreement and not necessary involves fighting.
He added that we need to put in the necessary resources, time, technology in conflict mediation that resorting to violence.
The recent successful mediation between government and opposition was reflective of the fact that traditional conflict resolution still holds in the present-day Ethiopia.
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The lecture was based on the book entitled "Ethiopia at a justice crossroad." by Dr Alula, other anthropologists and lawyers published in collaboration with the ministry of justice.
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