The Matrix of Ethnic Federalism in Ethiopia in Protecting Internal Minority Rights: Examining Perceptions in Oromia Regional State

Getaye Mulugeta; Gizachew Woldemariam

doi:10.29333/ejecs/1050

Authors

Getaye Mulugeta Injibara University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8738-5764
Gizachew Asrat Woldemariam College of Social Science and Humanities at Wolkite University-Wolkete; Ethiopia. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1863-0663

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/1050

Keywords:

Internal Minorities, Ethnic Federalism, Ethiopia, Amhara, Goba

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the matrix of ethnic federalism in protecting internal minority rights in Ethiopia via Goba and Robe towns as a case study at Oromia regional state. The post-1990s political formula of Ethiopia was designed considering all ethnolinguistic groups as inhabitants of their own defined territory. It seems that in the architecture of the constitution, there will be ethnic homogeneous states. But, the reality in the ground has shown that none of the units is purely homogenous due to economic migration, (re)settlement, villagization programs, and freedom of movement granted in the constitution. A mixed approach with a cross-sectional survey was used. Questionnaires, interviewees, focused group discussion, and document analyses were used as a primary data. Snowball and purposive sampling were used to select survey respondents. In both town administrations, a kin situation exists; there are constitutional and other legal frameworks gaps, inducing mistrust and tension between minorities and dominant groups, systematic segregation, denying fair and effective representation at levels of government. Therefore, adequately recognizing and legalizing the rights of internal minorities should be the prime duty of the region, establishing particular institutions mandated to protect internal minorities, and government should work on fostering people-to-people integration to reverse the looming mistrust.

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Author Biographies

Getaye Mulugeta, Injibara University

federalism theory, federalism and conflict management, minority right issues, identity politics, governance, local government and related issues

Gizachew Asrat Woldemariam, College of Social Science and Humanities at Wolkite University-Wolkete; Ethiopia.

Gizachew Asrat, a Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science, currently serving at the Institute of Foreign Affairs as a Senior Researcher at Pace and Security Directorate. Major interest areas for research are migration, political leadership, federalism, peace and security, border security, non-state armed actors, local government and related issues.

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