Anomalous Political Discursive Narratives on Indigeneity: In Ethiopia's Regional States

Abstract

AbstractThe major purpose of this article is to critically probe the competing political narratives on indigeneity‐ in the form of autochthony‐ the sons of the soil, and its instrumentalization for discrimination against non‐indigenous groups in Ethiopia's regional states. To this end, the article argues that the political discourses (narratives) determine Ethiopia's ethnic‐based state structure and politics that dichotomize citizens as indigenes and non‐indigenes, which, in reality, is not viable. Each ethnic group, which forms the region, has a warranty of sovereign political power and territorial autonomy. Inside the regions, except for the Amhara and the South Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Regions, the privileged ethnic group (the indigenous) has been empowered to hold prominent political positions. Non‐indigenous ethnic groups, on the other hand, are discriminated against in politics, economy, and social affairs. Thus, these political narratives have created a system of inequality and discrimination that has persisted even after the end of EPRDF era. To address these intractable problems, Ethiopians seek to balance diversity and unity in order to create an inclusive and all‐empowering environment in society through multiculturalism.