Indigenous Conflict Resolution Mechanisms among the Konso

Abstract

This article focuses on the judicial process and punishment in the indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms of the Konso people. The main objective is to analyze the jurisdiction process and punishment system in the indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms of the Konso people. The study was carried out in some of the villages registered by UNESCO, such as Gamoole, Dekato, Burjjo, Mecheke, Mechelo, Gelabo, and Darra, in October 2023. Elders who are more familiar with the indigenous Konso culture in general and the indigenous jurisdiction procedure in particular provided the data. The study collected and analyzed data using qualitative methods. The paper makes the case that the conflict resolution mechanism adheres to a number of jurisdictional procedures. It starts with submitting complaints and concludes with reconciliation. The type of offense and the response of the offender determine the level of punishment, ranging from simple verbal warnings to the death penalty. When cases are difficult to provide witnesses for, supernatural intervention through oath-making and curses is applied. The paper also identifies current threats to these indigenous judicial processes and punishment mechanisms, such as the influence of the modern legal system, the reluctance of the younger generation, the spread of Christianity, and the erosion of traditional values.

Keywords: Indigenous, Conflict, Jurisdiction, Punishment, Supernatural intervention