| ID | 193044 |
| Title Proper | Politics of Ethnonational Accommodation Under a Dominant Party Regime |
| Other Title Information | Ethiopia’s Three Decades’ Experience |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Yimenu, Bizuneh Getachew |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Ethiopia is the most prominent example of the late 20th-century adoption of federalism to accommodate diversity and complete state-building. This article explores the implementation of federalism and accommodation of ethnonational diversity in dominant party regimes by using Ethiopia as a case. Drawing on legal documents, literature, news sources and government reports, the article argues that federalism enabled distinctive groups to promote their culture, use their languages and exercise self-rule in their territory. However, ethnonationalities’ constitutionally proclaimed self-determination rights and the practice rarely correspond. Although all ethnonationalities have the same constitutional rights, some are still subjugated, and self-rule remains their dream. The dominant party regime in Ethiopia met demands for self-rule and accommodation with suppression and violence. The constitution grants regions to use their legislative powers to accommodate region-specific demands; nevertheless, regions cannot operate out of the narrow framework of the federal ruling party. Thus, regions became repressive agents of the centre rather than genuine self-rule agents. Insights from Ethiopia have broader implications for states embracing federalism. |
| `In' analytical Note | Journal of Asian and African Studies Vol. 58, No.8; Dec 2023: p.1622-1638 |
| Journal Source | Journal of Asian and African Studies 2023-11 58, 8 |
| Key Words | Ethiopia ; Constitution ; Region ; Diversity ; Accommodation ; Ethnic Federalism ; Nations and Nationalities ; Dominant Party |