'Holding the Tension': Toward an Indigenous Epistemology of Conflict Transformation Among the Afar,Oromo, and Somali of Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s political instability and recurring interethnic conflicts are rooted partly in governance models—such as ethnic federalism—that have exaggerated rather than reduced tensions. Our project highlights the overlooked potential of Indigenous governance systems among the Oromo, Somali, and Afar peoples, e.g., Gadaa, Xeer, and Mablo, to inform more sustainable and inclusive approaches to peace-making. These systems emphasize participatory governance, consensus-based decision-making, and community-led conflict resolution, offering alternative perspectives on coexistence and relational governance. Rather than seeking to resolve or eliminate tension, we ask ourselves how these Indigenous systems provide ways to hold the tension—navigating conflict without erasing difference. Bridging conflict theory and artistic research, we aim to engage with Indigenous knowledge traditions to explore how different ways of knowing and relating can inform conflict transformation.

Partner institution: Haramaya University (Ethiopia)