Browsing by Author "Yonas Tariku(PhD)"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    Beyond IGAD: The Political Economy of Regional Development in the Horn of Africa
    (Addis Ababa Unversity, 2025-06) Hewan Endashaw; Yonas Tariku(PhD)
    This thesis examines the political economy of regional integration in the Horn of Africa, through the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). Despite IGAD’s mandate to bring security and economic cooperation, its effectiveness is complicated by structural flaws, sovereignty disputes, and overdependence on external actors. Through qualitative analysis of institutional frameworks, member-state foreign policies, the study reveals three core contradictions. IGAD’s consensus-based model, designed to respect sovereignty, often results in deadlock during crises. Over 80% of IGAD’s budget comes from external actors like the EU and Gulf states, skewing priorities toward counterterrorism and migration control over locally driven development. Technical projects achieve localized gains but fail to build political trust or institutional cohesion due to uneven implementation and member-state rivalries. The study argues that IGAD’s challenges are existential, requiring more than incremental reforms. The 2023 Agreement, while progressive, lacks enforcement mechanisms to address the Horn’s interconnected crises. Alternative models, such as variable geometry (flexible integration) or decentralized regionalism, are proposed to reconcile sovereignty with collective action. Ultimately, the thesis calls for a reconceptualized framework that prioritizes regional autonomy, balances technical and political integration, and mitigates the distorting influence of external actors. Without structural transformation, IGAD risks irrelevance in a region where instability demands bold, coordinated responses. Key findings includes IGAD’s institutional design perpetuates fragmentation rather than unity. Moreover, member states (e.g., Ethiopia, Kenya) leverage IGAD for national interests, undermining collective security.External funding sustains IGAD but erodes its legitimacy and long-term vision. This research bridges a critical gap in scholarship by interrogating IGAD’s foundational misalignment with the Horn’s political economy, moving beyond prescriptive reforms to explore radical alternatives for regionalism.
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    Ethiopia-somalia Relations and the Persistent Threat of Al-shabaab
    (Addis Ababa Unversity, 2025-06) Hailemichaeal Temesgen; Yonas Tariku(PhD)
    This study explores the evolving relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia within the context of the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab, a transnational terrorist group that continues to destabilize the Horn of Africa. Drawing on key informant interviews, official government documents, media reports, and scholarly sources, the research examines how Al-Shabaab influences bilateral relations acting simultaneously as a driver of tactical cooperation and a source of strategic mistrust. The findings indicate that although shared security threats have led to joint military operations and intelligence sharing, longstanding territorial disputes, foreign influence, and propaganda-driven mistrust continue to undermine long-term diplomatic progress. The paper concludes that future stability hinges on institutionalized cooperation, economic interdependence, inclusive counterterrorism frameworks, and confidence-building mechanisms.
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    Institutionalizing Non-State Justice System in the Somali Region
    (Addis Ababa University, 2023-11) Mihiret Dereje; Yonas Tariku(PhD)
    This paper conducted with the objective of examining institutionalizing non-state justice system in the Somali region. As such it is aimed to examine the nature, process, and function of the non-state justice system among the Somali people and explore alternatives to institutionalize the non-state justice system in-to the state-led system. To do so, the researcher employed qualitative research methodology. Interview, case study and document analysis used as a source of data. The findings of the study show that, the home-grown legitimacy of the Somali non-state justice system, the historical and political background of the region made the Somali non-state justice system preferable conflict resolution system than the state justice system. Moreover, the research revealed that the adjudicative power of the elders beyond legally recognized jurisdiction and its effectiveness to ensure peace and security of the region. However, even though the Somali non-state justice system plays a pivotal role to settle conflicts, it has limitations which would constrain to effectively ascertain justice in the region. The first limitation is legislative restriction of jurisdiction. The second limitation is lack of compelling power to enforce the decisions of the non-state justice system. Finally, its discriminatory aspect in terms of human rights. Therefore, the findings of the study suggest that, to overcome the limitations and maximize its effectiveness; first the non-state justice system of Somali region should have to get formal legislative recognition over criminal cases and intraclan conflicts. Secondly the state should provide the necessary finance and capacity building trainings and create a conducive environment to exercise their power according to the cultural context.
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    Post-Conflict Peacebuilding by the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia (Irce): The Case of Agaro
    (Addis nAbaba University, 2022-06) Tsion Zerayakob; Yonas Tariku(PhD)
    The focus of this research is assessing post-conflict peacebuilding by the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia (IRCE) in Jimma Zone, Agaro Woreda. It mainly intends to study the role of IRCE in Jimma peacebuilding program, the mechanisms applied, examining its effectiveness and functionality, the challenges and strengths of the peacebuilding program. It also studies the actions undertaken to enhance religious tolerance and to resolve conflicts between Christian and Muslim societies. It explores theoretical developments on peace and conflict as well as religion as a factor of conflict and peace. Furthermore, conceptual frameworks of peacebuilding, faith-based peacebuilding, faith-based civil societies, and mechanisms applied in the process are discussed. It uses qualitative research design, where the selected case study is an exploratory and single instrumental case. Non-probability sampling is selected as a sampling technique where purposive sampling and snow ball sampling are used to determine the sample size. Primary and secondary sources of data are used in the research, where the data collection instruments are Focus Group Discussion and Key Informant Interviews for primary data. The findings from the data analysis are; development of inter-faith organizations such as IRCE, partial restoration of former co-existence, unsatisfactory dialogue platform for victims and youths. Challenges incurred include skepticism of religious leaders, lack of public trust, financial constraints, legal limitations and exclusion of traditional conflict resolution techniques. Whereas, its strength includes local ownership of the post-conflict peacebuilding program, the integration of religious institutions for conflict resolution and a relatively good co-existing condition compared to the damage incurred. In conclusion if it is properly designed and managed post-conflict peace building program plays a significant role for ensuring sustainable peace, tolerance and social co-existence.