Roles of the Waataa Community in Conflict Resolution among Arsi Oromo

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the roles Waataa people play in resolving conflicts among the Arsi Oromo. To conduct the study, ethnographic research design and qualitative research approach were used. Many of the data that were used in this study as sources of dependable information were gathered from 11 persons (7 males and 4 females) of the Waataa community, 5 persons from the Arsi community, 2 Gadaa leaders, and 3 police officials. All were purposely selected and interviewed. These sources were consulted through intensive interviews, focus groups discussions, and observations. One focus group discussion was conducted in Chopa village where the Waataa people are found. All generated data were assembled, inspected; thematically categorized and analyzed. The data analyzed in this study clearly reveals that conflicts in the society of Arsi Oromo arise on multitude of grounds. Since the sources of conflicts can be traced to a number of causes, the major ones are attributed to economic factors, such as constraints of farm land. The Waataa people have a good awareness of conflict and its sources and they are responsible to resolve conflict especially in homicide cases. Since these cases are generally complex in nature they are resolving conflict through demanding and effective mechanism and practices. In the society of Arsi Oromo, the Waataa and Gadaa leaders are complementing each other in processing and resolving social conflicts. It seems (in many aspects) processing conflicts through traditional approaches have advantages over modern bureaucratic court systems. Though, the activities of Waataa people are contributing much in conflict resolution, it is not well studied and they are not empowered to function as expected. Currently, the role of Waataa people is replaced by the other elders selected by the police of the district and they are becoming inactive in the process of conflict resolution. The police and the Waataa people are not doing together. This shows that the traditional cultures of these people are replaced by the modern culture and the roles of Waataa people in conflict resolution is already ignored. However, a conflict resolution mechanism without considering the traditional way may not be as effective as expected. Therefore, it seems important if the modern legal system takes the tradition system into account and works with the traditional system.