Ethnic conflict in Ethiopia: Federalism as a cause and solution

Abstract

Adopted in 1991, ethnic federalism indeed paved the way for the recognition, accommodation, and institutionalization of ethnocultural diversity for the first time in the country’s history since its modern existence. What is equally important is, the practice of ethnic federalism complicated state-society and inter-group relationships creating a favorable environment for ethnic confrontation and conflict to take place in the country threatening national unity, eroded century-old values of coexistence, a hard ethnic boundary where administrative boundaries are served as political and ethnic differentiators like the Oromo and Somali conflict over contested boundaries. Territorial recognition, and institutionalization of ethnicity gave room for the emergence of ‘ethnic like and ethnic others’ thinking, made minorities in different regions victims of politics and failed to provide sound accommodation mechanisms from them, severely restricted people’s constitutional rights including the right to mobility and right to work, created room for the re-emergence of secessionist tendency. Hence, ethnic federalism while solving old problems of ethnic inequality and injustice; has created new problems of ethnic tensions and conflict across Ethiopia. It is the purpose of this study to investigate how and why federalism is being considered as the source of ethnic conflicts in the Ethiopian context. The study adopted a qualitative comparative approach while FGDs and key informant interviews were used to gather data. The finding of the study shows that though multinational federation plays an irreplaceable role to accommodate and institutionalize ethnocultural diversity, the notion and implementation of federalism instigate ethnic conflict in the Ethiopian context.

Navigating the Wicked Policy Problem: An In-Depth Analysis of Policy Dilemmas and Innovative Approaches for Effective Problem Solving

“…This has created new problems of ethnic tensions and conflict across Ethiopia. The study reveals that while multinational federation plays a crucial role in accommodating and institutionalizing ethnocultural diversity, the notion and implementation of federalism instigate ethnic conflict in the Ethiopian context (Bayu, 2021).…”

Ethnic Identity and National Unity in Ethiopia: Challenges and Opportunities for Building National Consensus

“…As a result of the shift to ethnic federalism, ethnically oriented federal states known as kililoch (regional states) were established, further solidifying tribal divisions across the nation [38]. Nationwide ethnic tensions and conflicts have resulted from this reconfiguration [11]. Formalizing ethnic politics in Ethiopia has resulted from the use of ethnicity as a weapon for political representation and entitlement [28].…”

“…Literature claims that Ethiopia's shift to ethnic-based federalism and fight for territorial control resulted in the reappearance of ethnic and tribal divisions, which exacerbated social inequality and regional differences [43]. The introduction of ethnic federalism has also been associated with new challenges, such as ethnic competition and conflicts within the federation [11]. Although ethnic federalism was implemented to address historical injustices and inequalities, it has led to new issues, such as the growth of political parties with ethnic bases and limited ethno-nationalist ideologies that threaten social stability [32].…”

“…Ethnic federalism has deepened ethnic tensions and conflicts while being initially viewed as a viable nation-building tool in a heterogeneous country such as Ethiopia [24,1]. Interethnic conflict and division inside the nation have been exacerbated by competition among various ethnic groups for resources and territory, as well as by the institutionalization of ethnic identities [11].…”

“…Ethiopia's adoption of ethnic federalism has had unfavorable effects, such as the breakup of the state [38]. Longstanding ideals of coexistence have been undermined by this system, which has complicated state-society ties and fostered an atmosphere that encourages ethnic hostility and conflict [11]. Ethnic federalism has presented difficulties for nation-building even though it has partly aided in the socioeconomic, political, and cultural growth of many areas [41] such as Oromia, Benishangul Gumuz and the Southern areas.…”