Ethnofederalism in Ethiopia: An Analysis on the Implementation and Impact of Ethnofederalism in Domestic Ethnic Conflict within the State of Ethiopia

Abstract

Attempts are currently being made to resolve the problem that a colonial history has created within multi-ethnic states, by granting autonomy to groups whose culture and identity has been suppressed in the unity of modern nation-state1. The system of ethnofederalism was created to allow conflicting ethnic communities to obtain a level of autonomy and self-government from the central authority without resorting to secession2. Specifically ethnofederalism allows for regional political communities to provide a nonviolent means of dealing with differences between these groups3. This paper will argue for the effectiveness of ethnofederalism when a state’s constitutional structure supports the equilibrium of power between central and state autonomy. This will be argued in terms of the necessity for a successful division of fiscal power, equity between the ethnic groups, federal toleration for political dissent and the implementation of fail-safes to prevent federal domination over regional governance.[...]