Project Summary

Violence remains a pervasive issue that threatens businesses, governments, and individuals alike.  Its detrimental effects demand urgent and effective interventions, particularly during the early stages of violence and immediately after incidents occur. Through case comparisons of interpersonal violence, such as homicide, this research seeks to examine how indigenous institutions and their practices of sheltering perpetrators, followed by customary justice, and the detention of suspects by police and formal legal proceedings, reduce violence and promote sustainable peace among Ituu-Humbanna Oromo Communities in the East and West Hararge Zones of the Oromia region in Ethiopia. By gathering and analyzing qualitative data on cases of interpersonal violence and homicide, I will assess the effectiveness of these practices. The findings of this research will provide valuable insights for policymakers, community leaders, and researchers, informing the development of evidence-based interventions to address violence and its consequences.

Bio

Berhanu Libdi Bekere is a Lecturer at Haramaya University. Currently, he is a PhD Candidate in Peace and Development Studies, researching "The Oromo Concept of Peace: An Insight into Indigenous Peace Philosophy." His research interests include indigenous peace philosophy, comparative studies of local/indigenous and conventional peacemaking and peacebuilding practices, and indigenous wisdom and culture of peace among the Oromo and other societies in the Horn of Africa.

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