206|Int. J. of Multidisciplinary and Current research, Vol.3 (March/April 2015) International Journal of Multidisciplinary and Current Research Research Article ISSN: 2321-3124 Available at: http://ijmcr.com Traditional Conflict Resolution as a Better Option to Court Proceeding: An Attitude and Practice in Ambo Town Endalcachew Bayeh 1 , Gashaw Ayferam 1 and Zelalem Muchie 1 1 Department of Civics and Ethical Studies, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia Accepted 04 March 2015, Available online 07 March 2015, Vol.3 (March/April 2015 issue) Abstract The central objective of this paper is to examine the attitude and practice of Ambo town people towards traditional conflict resolution mechanisms vis-à-vis the modern court system. To this end, the study used both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were gathered from interview and personal observations whereas secondary sources were obtained from articles. The findings of the study show that there exists a high tendency among Ambo town people to solve their conflicts mostly through traditional mechanisms like Jaarsummaa. This is due to the fact that they have a belief that traditional mechanisms are by far better than the modern court procedure as the former is: possible to produce win-wiŶ result which is iŶstruŵeŶtal for coŶflictiŶg parties’ futur e cordial relationship, easily accessible, time saving, less costly and vital for social stability, though it has its own blemishes like lack of documentation and enforcement mechanisms. Keywords: Ambo town, conflict, traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, modern court system 1. Introductory Note on Conflicts in Ambo Conflict is what dominating the current media coverage. It is the common phenomenon of the world. Putting differently, countries of the world are experiencing conflict in one way or another. In this connection, Ethiopia is not an exception. As one part of the country, Oromia Regional State has been experiencing conflicts of different nature caused by different factors. Likewise, Ambo Town, which is one part of Oromia Regional State, has also experienced several conflicts. Conflicts which arise in Ambo town are emanated from various sources. These are associated with household/private matters, resource related problems, and other day to day problems of social life (Tilaye, 2014). Such conflicts have been resolved through traditional means and court system. Thus, in the following section the paper reveals briefly how conflicts have been entertained by different conflict resolution mechanisms, namely traditional and modern systems. The paper is not intended to delve into the nature and causes of conflicts in Ambo town. It simply explains the attitude of Ambo town people towards those mechanisms of conflict resolution. 2. Conflict Resolution Mechanisms It is crystal clear that conflict is unavoidable and inevitable. Hence, the most important issue is how to handle it. In this regard, peoples in Ambo town have been resolving their multifaceted conflicts through different mechanisms, namely through traditional mechanisms and modern/court system. These will be discussed in the subsequent sections and the attitude of the Ambo town people towards those conflict resolution mechanisms will also be examined. 2.1 Traditional Mechanisms: Jaarsummaa Traditional conflict resolution mechanisms are parts of social system which play an important role in the reconciliation, maintenance and improvement of social relationships (Osei-Hwedie and Rankopo). They are deeply rooted in the customs and traditions of the society referred. Ethiopia has been using traditional mechanisms of conflict resolution for centuries. The institutions of Gadaa among the Oromo, Joburas of Agnuak and the Shimagelle by the Amhara are among others (Gowok, 2008). Every society has its own traditional way of conflict resolution besides legal settlement of conflict through judicial adjudication. Likewise, Oromo people encourage disputants most of the time to resolve their conflicts through indigenous means of conflict resolution (Dejene, 2002). In Ambo town, traditional conflict resolution mechanisms are most manifested in the form of Jaarsummaa, among others. There exists a high tendency in Ambo town to use traditional mechanisms to resolve their conflicts. Even though cases are submitted to court system, they are