Gada as a Mechanism for Sustainable Peace: Conflict Mediation among Guji, Gabra, and Borana in Southern Ethiopia’s Arero District

Abstract

Like many ethnic societies across the world, the Oromo—Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group—have developed an indigenous socio-political system known as the Gada System. This institution, referred to hereafter as Gada, is recognized as a highly democratic and participatory form of governance that predates modern democracy by centuries. Among the Oromo, it remains more effective and widely accepted than many formal state institutions in regulating socio-economic and political life. In a country as ethnically and linguistically diverse as Ethiopia home to over 83 distinct groups the need for locally rooted, community-driven conflict resolution mechanisms is increasingly urgent. This paper explores the role of the Gada institution in mediating conflicts and fostering sustainable peace among the Guji, Gabra, and Borana Oromo communities in the Arero District of Southern Ethiopia. Rather than focusing on the mere existence of conflict, the pressing challenge today lies in how conflicts are resolved in ways that prevent escalation and promote long-term stability. This study highlights how Gada serves not only as a traditional governance structure but also as an effective mechanism for conflict mediation. It argues that the indigenous values and practices embedded in the Gada system offer valuable tools for sustainable peacebuilding. The paper concludes by recommending greater recognition, integration, and institutional support for the Gada system, particularly its conflict resolution practices among the Guji, Gabra, and Borana communities. Harmonizing such indigenous mechanisms with modern state structures could significantly contribute to internal peace and security in Ethiopia.