QAKEE’ AS AN INDIGENOUS METHOD OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION.

Abstract

Oromo as a society, like many African societies, is rich in indigenous institutions of conflict resolution and justice administration. Qakee is one of the multitudes of Oromo indigenous institutions that have exclusively been used to settle blood feuds. In spite of its wider utilization and its muti-disciplinary nature, psycho-social analysis of Qakee is lacking in literature and its attention is decreasing in peace building institutions and within other concerned bodies. With an aim of helping to fill this gap and of maximizing Qakee’s potential contributions to conflict resolution, justice administration and peace building, this article offers a psycho-social perspective on Qakee. Having analyzed combined data from multiple sources regarding Qakee within psychological and social frameworks, the author identifies and highlights some interrelated themes about the key roles Qakee plays in conflict resolution, justice administration and peace building. Finally, based on the themes identified and highlighted and other pertinent elaborations and case material, the author theorizes Qakee as a vital psycho-social method of conflict resolution, justice administration and peace building and calls for its official recognition and revitalization.