Blood Feud and Its Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract: In Amhara Regional State Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanisms are commonly employed to address various conflicts, particularly blood feuds. This study tried to evaluate the nature of blood feuds and the associated ADR Mechanisms. An ethnographic research approach was used to gather the essential data. The finding indicates that Shimgilna serves as an indigenous method for resolving blood feuds. With in the reconciliation process, several key practices and phases were identified: diagnosis, initiation, forgiveness, and taking of an oath. Additionally, the characteristics of the members of the reconciliation committee known as Shimlgilna, plays vital role in ensuring the reconciliation process is independent, fair and impartial. historically decision made through Shimgilna were generally accepted by formal adjudication system without question. However, this dynamic shifted recently due to increase interference from formal adjudications in ADR outcomes. Thus, this finding indicates that there is a need for policy and judiciary reform to inculcate the ADR role to address the society problem via its norm and values.

Keywords: ADR, Shimglina, Reconciliation, Compensation, Ethnography