Oromian Economist

De-empiring Ethiopia’s Structure: A Path to True Self- Determination August 26, 2024

Posted by OromianEconomist in Uncategorized.
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De-empiring Ethiopia’s Structure: A Path to True Self-Determination

Ethiopia, often celebrated for its ancient history and cultural diversity, has a complex and contentious political structure rooted in its imperial past. This structure, established by Emperor Menelik II in the 19th century, was built on the conquest and subjugation of various ethnic groups, including the Oromo, Sidama, Qimant, Agew,  Afar, Ogaden, Silte, Hadiya, Kambta, Gumuz,  Gambella, and Wolayita. These groups were incorporated into the Ethiopian state not by their own free will, but through the colonizing efforts of Menelik, an Amharic warlord and slave trader.

Historical Context

Menelik II’s expansionist campaigns in the late 19th century were driven by a desire to consolidate power and create a centralized Ethiopian empire. This process involved the forceful annexation of territories and the imposition of Amharic culture and language on diverse ethnic groups. The resulting multiethnic empire was characterized by a hierarchical structure that privileged the Amhara elite and marginalized other ethnicities.

Institutionalized Oppression

The legacy of Menelik’s conquests has persisted through successive Ethiopian governments, which have maintained the centralized and oppressive structure of the state. This institutionalized colonial framework has led to widespread suffering among the majority of Ethiopia’s ethnic groups, who have been denied genuine self-determination and autonomy. The current government, like those before it, continues to uphold this system, perpetuating the dominance of Amharic elites and suppressing calls for self-determination, decentralization and federalism.

Parallels with Yugoslavia

The situation in Ethiopia bears striking similarities to the former Yugoslavia, where Serb extremists under Slobodan Milošević sought to impose a centralized state structure, leading to violent conflicts and eventual disintegration. In Ethiopia, Amharic extremists and the central government similarly impose a unitary state model, disregarding the aspirations of other ethnic groups for greater autonomy and self-governance.

The Case for Decentralization

Many of Ethiopia’s ethnic groups, including the Oromo, Sidama, Qimant, Agew, Afar,  Silte, Waliyta, Ogaden, Gumuz,   Hadiya,  Kambata, Gambella, and Tigray, and more advocate for a federal system  and autonomy that allows for self-determination and respects the cultural and political rights of all communities. Such a system would enable these groups to nurture their unique cultures and economies, fostering development and stability. Decentralization has been shown to contribute to Ethiopia’s development in the past, as seen in the period following the end of the civil war in 1991, when the country adopted a federal structure and experienced significant economic growth.

The Danger of Centralization

While promoting slogans like “Ethiopia First” and “Ethiopia Shall Continue,” the central government has been attacking and undermining the very building blocks of the  country —its ethnicities, cultures, and languages. This approach has bred misery and danger, as it disregards the rich diversity that forms the DNA of Ethiopia as a country . The suppression of these fundamental elements only exacerbates tensions and fuels conflict.

International Community’s Role

To achieve lasting peace and development, it is crucial for the international community to recognize the need for a fundamental restructuring of the Ethiopian state. Supporting efforts to dismantle the imperial framework and promote a decentralized, federal system can help address the root causes of conflict and ensure that all ethnic groups have a voice in their governance. This approach, akin to the dissolution of Yugoslavia, could pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future.

Conclusion

De-empiring Ethiopia’s structure is essential for achieving true self-determination and development for its diverse ethnic groups. By embracing decentralization, federalism and self-determination Ethiopia can move towards a more inclusive and just society, where all communities can thrive.

Amnesty International : BBC : LSE International Development : Africa at LSE : Al Jazeera : The Guardian : Foreign Policy: AI Info.