East African Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities

Ethno-Linguistic Federalism in Ethiopia: Opportunity or Threat to National Unity?

Kena Deme — 2022-12-15

Even if Ethiopia is left without a single choice other than introducing the federal political system, it did not escape criticisms. Especially, as far as national unity is concerned, there are strong opposing views- the pro-unitary state and the pro-multiethnic federal system. This study is aimed at examining whether the so far ethno-linguistic federalism experience of the country has been contributing to national unity as well as national consensus or not. To this end, the study relied on secondary sources. Based on a systematic analysis of relevant sources, the following findings are obtained. Though the proponents of pro-unitary system are of the opinion that the current federal system which at least constitutionally gives equal footing to ethnic groups is against the national unity of Ethiopia, this study shows that it is not ethnic federalism that is a barrier to national unity but there are diverse factors. These factors include, but not limited to, unbalanced interest of ethnic groups' elites, inadequacy of commitment to ethno-linguistic federalism principle, lack of constitutionalism and misconception of ethno-nationalism. It is true that the popular struggle for real autonomy and self-rule on one hand and the division or confusion regarding the Ethiopian national unity on the other hand has continued. This study suggests that acknowledging past injustices, practicing ethno-linguistic federalism principle genuinely and foreseeing reciprocated fate are imperative for building national unity and national consensus in Ethiopia where all ethnic groups’ identity is treated equally.

From Complementarity to Contestation: An Exploration into the Causes, Actors, and Effects of the Karrayyu-Itu Violent Conflicts of 2019-2020

Roba Peteros — 2022-12-15

This study explored the inter-communal interactions, and causes, actors, and effects of the 2019-2020 violent conflict of the Karrayyu pastoralists with the Itu farming and agropastoral community in Fentalle District of East Shoa Zone of Oromia. It was conducted based on qualitative data generated through interviews, focus group discussions and non-participatory observations. Both primary and secondary sources were used. Results of this study showed that despite the recent violent conflict, the two communities have far-reaching history of inter-communal solidarity, resource sharing, economic and marriage interactions, kins confederation and joint Gadaa parties. The shrinkage of pasture lands, disgracing and degradation of “lafa jiinfuu” (sacred natural sites), and a growing herder-farmer and agropastoral tension are explored as the major causes that have fostered conditions conducive to conflict generation and intensification since recent years. The analysis highlighted homicide and blockage of the road to Karrayyu’s “lafa jiinfuu” as the proximate causes of the conflict. To this end, the violent conflict had brought humanitarian, economic, social and security effects on both communities. Thus, we recommend that the Federal and Oromia regional state governments, nongovernmental organizations, and customary institutions, should intensify efforts to build inter-communal peace by ensuring the rule of law, and also through public enlightenment, education, and campaign for peaceful coexistence in the study area.