The Role of Customary Courts in Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: A Case Study of Adama City, Lugo Sub-City Administration, Ethiopia

Megersa Tolera Abdi

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ir.20260102.13

Research Article |

| Peer-Reviewed

The Role of Customary Courts in Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: A Case Study of Adama City, Lugo Sub-City Administration, Ethiopia

Megersa Tolera Abdi^*

Published in iResearch (Volume 1, Issue 2)

Received: 30 September 2026 Accepted: 13 October 2026 Published: 29 October 2026

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

This study assesses the role of customary courts in conflict resolution mechanisms in Adama City, specifically within the Lugo sub-city administration. It highlights the resurgence of legal pluralism in Ethiopia following the establishment of the Federal Democratic Republic, which allows for the coexistence of formal and customary legal systems. Utilizing qualitative research methods, including semi-structured interviews and non-participant observation, the study explores the effectiveness, accessibility, and cultural significance of customary courts. The findings reveal that customary courts provide a community-based approach to conflict resolution, employing mediation, dialogue, and the restoration of social harmony rather than punitive measures. Key advantages of customary courts include affordability, swift conflict resolution times, and the promotion of community participation, which revitalizes Oromo cultural practices of conflict resolution. Additionally, the research underscores the vital role of women in the conflict resolution process, both as mediators and participants, exemplified by the Siinqee institution. Despite their effectiveness, customary courts face challenges, including limited resources, inadequate support from formal legal institutions, and subjective decision-making. The thesis concludes with recommendations for enhancing the operational capacity of customary courts and fostering their integration with formal judicial systems to improve access to justice for all community members.

Published in	iResearch (Volume 1, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.ir.20260102.13
Page(s)	93-99
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Customary Court, Conflict Resolution, Legal Pluralism, Gada System, Oromo, Ethiopia

References

[1]	Galtung, J., & Jacobsen, C. G. (2002). Searching for Peace: The Road to Transcend. London: Pluto Press. No DOI available; available at: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/simmons-ebooks/detail.action?docID=3386109
[2]	Robbins, S. P. (2001). Organizational Behavior (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall.
[3]	Miller, C. A. (2005). A Glossary of Terms and Concepts in Peace and Conflict Studies (2nd ed.). Addis Ababa: University for Peace.
[4]	Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (1994). Federal Negarit Gazeta, Proclamation No. 1/1994. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. available at: https://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/et/et007en.pdf
[5]	Proclamation for the Establishment and Recognition of Oromia Region Customary Courts (2021). Proclamation No. 240/2021. Megeleta Oromia. available at: https://www.ajol.info/index.php/gj/article/view/285841
[6]	Durkheim, E. (1984). The Division of Labour in Society. London: Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-17729-5
[7]	Cormier, R. (2002). Restorative Justice: An Approach to Justice. Journal of Restorative Justice, 1(1), 1-15.
[8]	Legesse, A. (2006). Oromo Democracy: An Indigenous African Political System. Lawrenceville: Red Sea Press. No DOI available; available at: https://books.google.com.et/books/about/Oromo_democracy.html?id=InkwAQAAIAAJ
[9]	Zelalem, M., & Eshetu, A. (2019). The Gada System and Restorative Justice in Oromia. Ethiopian Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 1(1), 1-20.
[10]	Pankhurst, A., & Assefa, G. (2008). Understanding Customary Dispute Resolution in Ethiopia: Grassroots Justice in Ethiopia. Addis Ababa: Addis Ababa University Press. https://doi.org/10.4000/books.cfee.479
[11]	Mulugeta, A. (1999). Anthropological Approach to Ethiopian Law: Legal Pluralism, and the Nature and Status of Customary Law in Ethiopia (LL. B. Thesis). Addis Ababa University.
[12]	Endalew, L. (2019). Ethiopian Customary Dispute Resolution Mechanisms: Forms of Restorative Justice. Journal of Legal Pluralism, 51(1), 1-25. available at: https://www.accord.org.za/ajcr-issues/ethiopian-customary-dispute-resolution-mechanisms/
[13]	Teferi, B. (2023). Administration of Justice in Customary Courts in Oromia. Haramaya Law Review, 12(1), 1-25. No DOI available; available at: https://www.ajol.info/index.php/hlr/article/view/285841
[14]	Agbajobi, D. (2010). Women's Role in Conflict Resolution in Africa. Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 2(1), 45-60.
[15]	Kuwee, K. (1991). The Siinqee Institution of Oromo Women. Journal of Oromo Studies, 1(1), 1-15. No DOI available; available at: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/The-Siiqqee-Institution-of-Oromo-Women-Kumsa/153515049
[16]	Firdissa, J. (2017). Jaarsummaa: The Oromo Indigenous Conflict Resolution Mechanism. Journal of Indigenous Knowledge, 2(1), 1-15.
[17]	Pospisil, L. (1971). Anthropology of Law: A Comparative Theory. New York: Harper & Row.

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Abdi, M. T. (2026). The Role of Customary Courts in Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: A Case Study of Adama City, Lugo Sub-City Administration, Ethiopia. iResearch, 1(2), 93-99. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ir.20260102.13

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Abdi, M. T. The Role of Customary Courts in Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: A Case Study of Adama City, Lugo Sub-City Administration, Ethiopia. iRes. 2026, 1(2), 93-99. doi: 10.11648/j.ir.20260102.13

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Abdi MT. The Role of Customary Courts in Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: A Case Study of Adama City, Lugo Sub-City Administration, Ethiopia. iRes. 2026;1(2):93-99. doi: 10.11648/j.ir.20260102.13

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ir.20260102.13,
  author = {Megersa Tolera Abdi},
  title = {The Role of Customary Courts in Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: A Case Study of Adama City, Lugo Sub-City Administration, Ethiopia},
  journal = {iResearch},
  volume = {1},
  number = {2},
  pages = {93-99},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ir.20260102.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ir.20260102.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ir.20260102.13},
  abstract = {This study assesses the role of customary courts in conflict resolution mechanisms in Adama City, specifically within the Lugo sub-city administration. It highlights the resurgence of legal pluralism in Ethiopia following the establishment of the Federal Democratic Republic, which allows for the coexistence of formal and customary legal systems. Utilizing qualitative research methods, including semi-structured interviews and non-participant observation, the study explores the effectiveness, accessibility, and cultural significance of customary courts. The findings reveal that customary courts provide a community-based approach to conflict resolution, employing mediation, dialogue, and the restoration of social harmony rather than punitive measures. Key advantages of customary courts include affordability, swift conflict resolution times, and the promotion of community participation, which revitalizes Oromo cultural practices of conflict resolution. Additionally, the research underscores the vital role of women in the conflict resolution process, both as mediators and participants, exemplified by the Siinqee institution. Despite their effectiveness, customary courts face challenges, including limited resources, inadequate support from formal legal institutions, and subjective decision-making. The thesis concludes with recommendations for enhancing the operational capacity of customary courts and fostering their integration with formal judicial systems to improve access to justice for all community members.},
 year = {2026}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Role of Customary Courts in Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: A Case Study of Adama City, Lugo Sub-City Administration, Ethiopia
AU  - Megersa Tolera Abdi
Y1  - 2026/10/29
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ir.20260102.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.ir.20260102.13
T2  - iResearch
JF  - iResearch
JO  - iResearch
SP  - 93
EP  - 99
PB  - Science Publishing Group
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ir.20260102.13
AB  - This study assesses the role of customary courts in conflict resolution mechanisms in Adama City, specifically within the Lugo sub-city administration. It highlights the resurgence of legal pluralism in Ethiopia following the establishment of the Federal Democratic Republic, which allows for the coexistence of formal and customary legal systems. Utilizing qualitative research methods, including semi-structured interviews and non-participant observation, the study explores the effectiveness, accessibility, and cultural significance of customary courts. The findings reveal that customary courts provide a community-based approach to conflict resolution, employing mediation, dialogue, and the restoration of social harmony rather than punitive measures. Key advantages of customary courts include affordability, swift conflict resolution times, and the promotion of community participation, which revitalizes Oromo cultural practices of conflict resolution. Additionally, the research underscores the vital role of women in the conflict resolution process, both as mediators and participants, exemplified by the Siinqee institution. Despite their effectiveness, customary courts face challenges, including limited resources, inadequate support from formal legal institutions, and subjective decision-making. The thesis concludes with recommendations for enhancing the operational capacity of customary courts and fostering their integration with formal judicial systems to improve access to justice for all community members.
VL  - 1
IS  - 2
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Megersa Tolera Abdi

Department of Sociology, Arsi University, Asella, Ethiopia

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8029-3266

Download PDF

Submit an Article

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Abdi, M. T. (2026). The Role of Customary Courts in Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: A Case Study of Adama City, Lugo Sub-City Administration, Ethiopia. iResearch, 1(2), 93-99. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ir.20260102.13

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Abdi, M. T. The Role of Customary Courts in Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: A Case Study of Adama City, Lugo Sub-City Administration, Ethiopia. iRes. 2026, 1(2), 93-99. doi: 10.11648/j.ir.20260102.13

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Abdi MT. The Role of Customary Courts in Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: A Case Study of Adama City, Lugo Sub-City Administration, Ethiopia. iRes. 2026;1(2):93-99. doi: 10.11648/j.ir.20260102.13

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ir.20260102.13,
  author = {Megersa Tolera Abdi},
  title = {The Role of Customary Courts in Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: A Case Study of Adama City, Lugo Sub-City Administration, Ethiopia},
  journal = {iResearch},
  volume = {1},
  number = {2},
  pages = {93-99},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ir.20260102.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ir.20260102.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ir.20260102.13},
  abstract = {This study assesses the role of customary courts in conflict resolution mechanisms in Adama City, specifically within the Lugo sub-city administration. It highlights the resurgence of legal pluralism in Ethiopia following the establishment of the Federal Democratic Republic, which allows for the coexistence of formal and customary legal systems. Utilizing qualitative research methods, including semi-structured interviews and non-participant observation, the study explores the effectiveness, accessibility, and cultural significance of customary courts. The findings reveal that customary courts provide a community-based approach to conflict resolution, employing mediation, dialogue, and the restoration of social harmony rather than punitive measures. Key advantages of customary courts include affordability, swift conflict resolution times, and the promotion of community participation, which revitalizes Oromo cultural practices of conflict resolution. Additionally, the research underscores the vital role of women in the conflict resolution process, both as mediators and participants, exemplified by the Siinqee institution. Despite their effectiveness, customary courts face challenges, including limited resources, inadequate support from formal legal institutions, and subjective decision-making. The thesis concludes with recommendations for enhancing the operational capacity of customary courts and fostering their integration with formal judicial systems to improve access to justice for all community members.},
 year = {2026}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Role of Customary Courts in Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: A Case Study of Adama City, Lugo Sub-City Administration, Ethiopia
AU  - Megersa Tolera Abdi
Y1  - 2026/10/29
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ir.20260102.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.ir.20260102.13
T2  - iResearch
JF  - iResearch
JO  - iResearch
SP  - 93
EP  - 99
PB  - Science Publishing Group
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ir.20260102.13
AB  - This study assesses the role of customary courts in conflict resolution mechanisms in Adama City, specifically within the Lugo sub-city administration. It highlights the resurgence of legal pluralism in Ethiopia following the establishment of the Federal Democratic Republic, which allows for the coexistence of formal and customary legal systems. Utilizing qualitative research methods, including semi-structured interviews and non-participant observation, the study explores the effectiveness, accessibility, and cultural significance of customary courts. The findings reveal that customary courts provide a community-based approach to conflict resolution, employing mediation, dialogue, and the restoration of social harmony rather than punitive measures. Key advantages of customary courts include affordability, swift conflict resolution times, and the promotion of community participation, which revitalizes Oromo cultural practices of conflict resolution. Additionally, the research underscores the vital role of women in the conflict resolution process, both as mediators and participants, exemplified by the Siinqee institution. Despite their effectiveness, customary courts face challenges, including limited resources, inadequate support from formal legal institutions, and subjective decision-making. The thesis concludes with recommendations for enhancing the operational capacity of customary courts and fostering their integration with formal judicial systems to improve access to justice for all community members.
VL  - 1
IS  - 2
ER  -

Copy | Download