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Pastoralists and Violent Conflict along the Oromia–Somali Border in Eastern Ethiopia: Institutional Options toward Peacebuilding

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 July 2022

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Abstract

Four theories are used to explain the causes and dynamics of violent conflict along the Oromia–Somali Border in eastern Ethiopia. Of these, political economy (greed versus grievance) and political ecology theories are instrumental in understanding the main drivers of violence. Politicization of ethnicity and the self-centered behavior of political elites have increased the complexity of the conflict. Fekadu Kenee demonstrates that peacebuilding efforts require respect for the outcomes of referendums on the disputed territorial units and revitalization of customary systems, among others. While customary institutions can resolve conflicts at least temporarily, sustained community dialogue needs to be part of the political reform to build lasting inter-regional peace.

Résumé

Résumé

Quatre théories sont utilisées pour expliquer les causes et dynamiques du conflit violent le long de la frontière Oromia-somalienne dans l’est de l’Éthiopie. Parmi celles-ci, les théories de l’économie politique (entre la cupidité et le grief) et de l’écologie politique permettent de comprendre les principaux facteurs de la violence. La politisation de l’ethnicité et le comportement égocentrique des élites politiques ont accru la complexité du conflit. Fekadu Kenee démontre que les efforts de consolidation de la paix exigent, notamment, le respect des résultats des référendums sur les unités territoriales contestées et une revitalisation des systèmes coutumiers. Si les institutions coutumières peuvent résoudre les conflits, au moins temporairement, un dialogue communautaire soutenu doit faire partie de la réforme politique pour construire une paix interrégionale durable.

Resumo

Resumo

Utilizam-se quatro teorias para explicar as causas e a dinâmica do conflito violento ao longo da fronteira Oromia-Somali, na Etiópia Oriental. Destas, as teorias da economia política (ganância versus denúncia) e da ecologia política são fundamentais para compreender os principais motores da violência. A politização da etnicidade e o comportamento egocêntrico das elites políticas fomentaram a complexidade do conflito. Fekadu Kenee demonstra que os esforços de construção da paz exigem o respeito pelos resultados dos referendos sobre as unidades territoriais disputadas e uma revitalização dos sistemas tradicionais, entre outros. Embora as instituições habituais possam resolver conflitos pelo menos temporariamente, é preciso que o diálogo comunitário sustentado faça parte da reforma política, a fim de construir uma paz inter-regional duradoura.

Keywords

violent conflictpeacebuildingpastoraliststerritoryethnicityOromiaSomali
Type
Forum: Farmer-Pastoralist Interactions and Resource-Based Conflicts in Africa: Drivers, Actors, and Pathways to Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding
Information
African Studies Review , Volume 65 , Issue 2 , June 2022 , pp. 404 - 429
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the African Studies Association

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