Federalism as state form to overcome violent conflict in Ethiopia

Abstract

This article explores how federalism and conflict management are linked and the management of violent conflicts in Ethiopia. Drawing from literature reviews, reports, constitutions and other legal documents, the article argues that Ethiopia has experienced an outburst in violent conflicts over the past few years. An increase in radical, rival ethnic nationalisms in the situation of apparent brittleness of government structures created favorable environment for the violent conflicts in the country. Although federalism could help in managing conflict and protect minorities when supported by other power sharing arrangements, in Ethiopia it has not led to fair distribution of power and has not ended the past dominance of the center. Government and party brittleness have also resulted in a favorable environment to the spread of violent conflicts. In addition, opposing views of the ethno-nationalists and the Ethio-nationalists camps on the federal system the country should build also complicated the problem. This may hamper building democratic multinational federation. Thus, to manage the conflicts that erupt in the regions, building local institutions, proportional representations at different levels, and adequate representation of public interests in government policy making and the implementation process are crucial factors.