Thirteenth Global Studies Conference

Abstract

Since 1991 Ethiopia has made a paradigm shift favoring federalism against the centralized hierarchical power to radically respond to the problem of diversity and better recognize and accommodate the country’s ethnolinguistic and cultural diversity. Consequently, the 1995 constitution has redefined the country along ethnic lines with the creation of nine ethnic-based regional states and two federally administered city-states in an effort to create a more prosperous, just and representative state for its entire people. However, the adoption of ethnic federalism, which provided a high level of autonomy to each nationality, as a diagnosis and response to Ethiopia’s century-long divisions between nationalities and history of exploitation has created further challenges, particularly localized conflicts, at various levels in the country. This study investigates conflict dynamics between Somalis and Oromo communities in the context of ethnic federalism while employing primary and secondary data collection and analysis methodology. The study found out that unintended effects of ethnic federalism, the restructuring of administration merely along ethnic lines goes against the realities of the region; unclear administration boundary along the shared borders; ethnic politicization; mega ethnic syndrome within the society and the lack of integration between federalism and democracy in the process of implementation are major causes behind the recurrent conflict between the two neighboring communities.