The influence of ethnic federalism in the Ethiopia-Tigray conflict and future prevention recommendations

Mgr. Dave Brycole Odiango

Master's thesis

Abstract:

At the time of the writing of this policy paper, ethnic conflict continues in Ethiopia. This is despite there being a mediated truce between the belligerents. This policy paper focuses on the conflict between the Ethiopian Government and the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The policy paper argues that the conflict between the Ethiopian Government and the TPLF is a continuum of the numerous conflicts that have been part of the Ethiopian landscape over the last 24 years. These conflicts have led to the deaths of millions of people, thousands of sexual assaults and rapes, the displacement of millions of people, violation of human rights and mass starvation. There are numerous proximate causes for the civil conflicts that continuously face Ethiopia, however, in this policy paper, the adoption of ethnic federalism in 1991 is the main factor that drives and sustains the conflict. To begin with, ethnic federalism forms the bedrock of the political system in the country, which determines the sharing of power between the regions that are formed based on ethnicity, with the power and resources being disrupted by a few ethnic groups. Secondly, ethnic federalism has created an ethnic identity in the Ethiopian population at large. To prevent and stop the continued cycle of violence it is recommended that there is a full implementation of the federation, removal of the provision of secession, reorganisation of the political system, viable and sustainable livelihood options, greater public participation, and inclusivity in governance and enhancement of the multiparty system.

Keywords

Ethnic federalism, Tribal, Tigray, Pretoria Treaty, Nairobi Declaration

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 14. 5. 2024

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 3. 6. 2024
• Supervisor: Mgr. Martin Chovančík, Ph.D.
• Reader: RNDr. Petr Marek, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Social Studies

Master programme / field:
International Relations and European Politics / International Relations and European Politics