Abstract:
The theme of this study focuses on exploring the causes of conflict and viability of peace between
Amhara-Tigray Regional States over Tegedie and Tsegedie Woreda borders. In the pre-1991
regimes, Tegedie and Tsegedie Woreda were peaceful. However, their post 1991 relationship is
manifested either peaceful or conflictual. Their peaceful relation is manifested through their
economic interdependence, as well as, shared socio cultural practices. The central objective of
this study was to explore the causes, actors, and conflict management mechanisms, impacts of
conflict and viability of peace over the 2017 peace agreement/border demarcation between
Amhara-Tigray ethnic groups over Tegedie and Tsegedie Woreda conflicts. The study was
undertaken to explore the nature of Tegedie and Tsegedie Woreda relations after the
restructuring of the country along ethnic lines. Methodologically, the researcher employed
qualitative research approach with case study research design. The researcher highly relied on
primary sources of data; however, secondary sources of data were also used for triangulation
purpose. The tools used to collect data were in-depth interview, telephone interview, observation
and document analysis. Purposive sampling, a type of non-probability sampling was also used to
select the participants for in-depth and telephone interview. The analysis of qualitative data was
made in thematic Analysis. As per the finding of this study, in the study areas, conflicts mainly
caused by; political, economic, social and security factors, good governance problems,
boundary and weakening of traditional mechanisms of conflict resolution. The actors involved in
the conflict were direct and indirect actors. Moreover, the study revealed the impacts of the
conflict as; economic, social and political. To manage the conflict and build peace, formal and
customary mechanisms of conflict management and peace building were undertaken. However,
the attempts failed to address the root causes of the conflict and build lasting peace. Thus, as the
finding of this study indicated, there is no guaranty for sustainability of the peace since the root
cause of the conflict is not resolved.