Self-Rule and Representation in Amhara National Regional State: A Case Study on Argoba Nationality

Endris, Mohammed Mebrat (2016) Self-Rule and Representation in Amhara National Regional State: A Case Study on Argoba Nationality. Masters thesis, Addis Ababa University.

[img] PDF (Self-Rule and Representation in Amhara National Regional State: A Case Study on Argoba Nationality)
34 .Mohammed Mebrat.pdf - Accepted Version
Restricted to Repository staff only

Download (1MB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Nowadays, federalism has been used as a means for the accommodation of diversity of different groups with varied interests by minimizing the possibility of the domination of minority groups by the majority across the world. Ethiopia, in order to manage the diverse interests of its ethnic groups and rectify historical injustices, adopted a federal system de facto in 1991 and de jure in 1995. As one pillar of federalism, self-rule and shared-rule has to be managed fairly for the benefit of all ethnic groups. Self-rule and representation at the center becomes even more crucial in a divided society like Ethiopia. The Ethiopian federal system, though the national constitution invests a lot for the protection of self-rule and representation rights of minority groups, exhibits a gap in fully implementing these rights at the local level. This is mainly due to the legal lacunae and other practical problems manifested in the form of interference from higher officials and the incumbent political party. The Argoba Nationality in South Wollo Zone of the Amhara National Regional State, as a minority nationality group, has less benefited from the federal state arrangement as enshrined in the constitution due to factors related to the above mentioned problems. This study is mainly conducted to examine the practical implementation of the self-rule and representation rights of Argoba Nationality in the Ethiopian federation. By doing so, it addressed two basic questions – how the full measure of self-rule and representation rights of minority groups (taking the Argoba nationality wereda as a case study) is achieved and secured? What factors prohibited and/or contributed the Nationality wereda from practicing these rights? To achieve this purpose, the study has employed qualitative research approach. Both primary and secondary data sources have been consulted. The study found that, the protection of Argoba nationality as a minority and local government is performed through mere recognition of existence. The recognition is not accompanied by other minority ethnic group rights such as a fully-fledged self-rule and representation rights at the center. For the recognition to be practical and meaningful, it is better for the regional state to allow the Argoba Nationality to exercise their self-rule right at the local level and have their fair share at the center by minimizing top-down interference.

Item Type: Thesis (Masters)
Subjects: J Political Science > JA Political science (General)
Divisions: Africana
Depositing User: Emmanuel Ndorimana
Date Deposited: 25 Jun 2018 10:56
Last Modified: 25 Jun 2018 10:56
URI: http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/id/eprint/4525

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item