Punishing criminals indigenously: Perspectives from customary law and social relationship practices of Afar pastorals along the Lower Awash Valley

Customary law among the Afar pastoralists of Ethiopia's Lower Awash Valley offers non-adversarial approaches to justice that could serve as models for broader legal systems. The study, employing qualitative methods such as deep interviews and focused group discussions, reveals how traditional practices balance social structures while facing challenges from statutory laws, Sharia, and state-imposed regulations. Traditional courts struggle with enforcement, and there is debate over codifying indigenous law, which risks erosion by younger generations. These findings highlight the potential for integrating Afar customary practices into mainstream justice systems to enhance fairness and reform.

Yazew, B. T., & Kassa, G. (2023). Punishing criminals indigenously: Perspectives from customary law and social relationship practices of Afar pastorals along the Lower Awash Valley. Cogent Social Sciences, 9(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2023.2273337