Abstract
This paper seeks to examine the causes and management of ethnic conflicts in Ethiopia, with a particular reference to the two major ethnic groups, the Amhara and Oromo. Ethiopia is a multi-ethnic country where various ethnic groups have lived together for millennia, in relative peace. Over the last few years, intra-ethnic conflicts have intensified. Even though the two major ethnic groups, the Amhara, and the Oromo, have much in common, nowadays conflicts have also redefined their relationships. This paper, drawing on social-psychological theory, argues that the causes for the conflict between the two ethnic groups are: competing narratives; institutionalised negative prejudices; and the ruthless campaign of unbridled ethnic entrepreneurs−politicisation of ethnicity. It further contends that the ethnic federalism, which was ostensibly devised in 1994, to alleviate nationalistic passions and manage inter-ethnic conflicts, has compounded ethnic conflict. Finally, it suggests that some of the tenable solutions are to change narratives, settle past accounts through national reconciliation and revisit ethnic federalism. Key words: Ethnic conflict, Amhara, Oromo, ethnic federalism, narratives, symbolic politics, ethnic entrepreneurs.
Highlights
Moges Zewiddu TeshomeThis paper seeks to examine the causes and management of ethnic conflicts in Ethiopia, with a particular reference to the two major ethnic groups, the Amhara and Oromo
Ethiopia is one of the oldest states in the world which is known for its relatively peaceful co-existence of diverse ethnic and religious groups and a home for more than 80 ethno-linguistic groups
A radical detour in the Ethiopian political history took place in 1991, when the Tigrai People Liberation Front (TPLF), a guerilla fighter, after overthrowing the Dergue regime, adopted ethnic federalism to devolve, to use Young’s word, deconcentrate power and diffuse tensions to the regions (Young, 1996). This came as a surprise to the Ethiopian people and the rest of the world because this period was a litmus test for the faltering ethnic federalism in the former Yugoslavia and one of the worst human tragedies occurred in Rwanda due to ethnic conflict
Summary
This paper seeks to examine the causes and management of ethnic conflicts in Ethiopia, with a particular reference to the two major ethnic groups, the Amhara and Oromo. Even though the two major ethnic groups, the Amhara, and the Oromo, have much in common, nowadays conflicts have redefined their relationships. It further contends that the ethnic federalism, which was ostensibly devised in 1994, to alleviate nationalistic passions and manage inter-ethnic conflicts, has compounded ethnic conflict. It suggests that some of the tenable solutions are to change narratives, settle past accounts through national reconciliation and revisit ethnic federalism
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
