IPSS Theses and Dissertations
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Item The Sudan Crisis: Implications for Ethiopian's National Security(Addis Ababa Unversity, 2025-06) Teshome Mekonnen; Yonas Tariku (PhD)This thesis investigates the varied influence of the ongoing Sudanese armed conflict on Ethiopia's national security in the context of domestic political dynamics in both countries, emerging regional dynamics, and interstate ties in the Horn of Africa. The study examines historical relations, contemporary diplomatic engagements, and regional security frameworks to demonstrate how Sudan's internal instability affects Ethiopia's strategic interests, border security, resource management, and refugee flows. The study employs the Regional Security Complex Theory and Regional Conflict Complex frameworks to investigate the interconnectivity of regional conflicts, transboundary threats, and foreign actors that shape the security environment. It emphasizes the importance of Sudan's geostrategic location, its geopolitical entanglements with Middle Eastern and Gulf states, and the implications of regional conflict forms for Ethiopian stability. Methodologically, the research employs qualitative analysis based on interviews with Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials and experts, experts from the Institute of Foreign Affairs. It also undertook extensive review of secondary sources. The findings reveal that Sudan’s protracted conflict exacerbates Ethiopia’s vulnerabilities, including border disputes, transboundary water resource tensions, refugee influx, transboundary crimes which threaten regional stability. In addition, the protracted war in Sudan compromise Ethiopia’s national interest by indirectly fueling domestic instability, exposing to involvement of external adversaries.Item 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.Item 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.Item Police Reform in Ethiopia: Integrating Technology and Human Rights Education in Police Curriculum(Addis Ababa University, 2025-05) Kemila Yimer; Yohannes Tekalign(PhD)This study examines the integration of technology and human rights education into the police training curricula of the Ethiopian Federal Police as a strategic component of police reform. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research investigates the extent to which Ethiopia's evolving police doctrine supports modern, accountable, and rights-based policing. Data was collected through document review, in-depth-interviews, FGDs, KIIs, and institutional analysis. The findings reveal key gaps in training standards, curriculum content, and institutional practices especially in the areas of Competency-based education and tactical training courses for the police., While Ethiopia’s Police Doctrine outlines progressive principles aligned with international standards, challenges such as limited resources, resistance to change, outdated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and weak political will hinder effective implementation. Thus, This study also highlights the positive role of recent political and institutional reforms, particularly the official recognition and support granted to the Federal Police during the reform era. Furthermore, the research underscores the need for stronger partnerships with academic institutions, civil society, and international policing bodies to produce an informed, inclusive, and accountable police force.Item Inter-Group Contact through Peace Clubs in Shaping Positive Inter-Ethnic Relations: Ethiopian Public University Students in Focus(Addis Ababa University, 2024-05) Messash KassayeItem Post-conflict Reconciliation Efforts between Oromo and Gamo and Gurage Communities in Burayu Town of Ethiopia(2018-2019)(Addis Ababa University, 2025-06) Alemu Tafa; Mercy Fekadu(PhD)This study looks at the efforts made to bring the Oromo, Gamo, and Gurage communities in Burayu Town, Ethiopia, together after violent clashes in September 2018. The study intends to examine the outcomes of the conflict, the roles of local and governmental leaders, and the efficacy of efforts at reconciliation.A mixed-methods approach was used, integrating quantitative survey data from 300 respondents with qualitative insights from focus groups and interviews. The study assesses social cohesiveness, trust levels, and the results of interventions aimed at promoting reconciliation.Key results expose a paradox; although respondents expressed great confidence in judicial fairness (Mean = 4.19) and belief in the other community's willingness to reconcile (Mean = 4.20), actual participation in formal reconciliation programs remained low (Mean = 1.46). With major psychological and financial effects, the conflict particularly affected the Gamo and Gurage populations. Gumaa and Jaarsummaa were among the traditional conflict-resolution systems that were underused; a top-down approach that limited grassroots involvement hampered efforts at reconciliation.The study comes to the conclusion that hybrid reconciliation strategies that integrate formal and traditional systems prioritize community engagement, and address trauma and structural inequalities are necessary for a lasting peace. In order to close the gaps between policy and community needs, it is suggested that participatory processes be improved, psychosocial support be strengthened, and intercommunal economic collaboration be encouraged. This study adds to a larger body of knowledge regarding peacebuilding in post-conflict societies with ethnic divisions.Item Inter-Group Contact through Peace Clubs in Shaping Positive Inter-Ethnic Relations: Ethiopian Public University Students in Focus(Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024-05) Messash KassayeThe purpose of this study was to examine the role of Peace Club towards building positive inter ethnic relations of students in Addis Ababa, Ambo and Gondar universities. The study chose Peace Club as a CoC inter-group contact platform, which has objectives of relationship building and non-violence. Three research questions and two hypotheses were developed to address the research objective. The study adopted a convergent parallel mixed research design and data was gathered through questionnaires, interview and document review. Two set of questionnaires were developed to measure the nature of students’ IER (Q-A) and the contribution of Peace Clubs for IER of students (Q-B) respectively. Accordingly, 346 students (150 Peace Club members and 196 non-club members) took part in responding to Q-A and 333 valid questionnaires were returned. For Q-B, 150 Peace Club members filled the survey and the return rate was hundred percent. Additionally, 24 students, six instructors and six management personnel were engaged in source of data in the qualitative part of the study. For document review, 14 policy documents relevant to Ethiopian higher education system were examined. Both Descriptive and Inferential statistics were applied and the major statistical tools used were frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, an independent samples t-test, as well as linear and multiple regression analysis. Thematic and content analysis techniques were applied as qualitative analysis tools. The results showed, the legal frameworks of Ethiopian Higher Education System indeed leave some room for CoCPs and improve IER of students. However, the significance of CoCPs and how this can be implemented is not explicitly stated in relation to IER of students. It is further disclosed that students can be classified as having a fixed, mixed or a neutral view of ethnicity which has direct relations with the nature of IER of students that is manifested either negatively or positively. Particularly, students with mixed-ethnic background and those who choose ethnic neutrality display positive IER typified with willingness to learn from out-group fellows and non-violent attitude. However, students with fixed views of ethnicity seem to choose to resort to intra-ethnic cliques. On the other hand, the mediation analysis disclosed that, Peace Club is found to be a notable co-curricular platform to build positive IER among students in Addis Ababa, Ambo and Gondar universities. This platform is particularly relevant interms of equipping members with necessary knowledge on existence, acknowledgement and appreciation of difference as well as displaying non-violent behavior during conflictual situations with out-group fellows. The moderation analysis also revealed that, around 40.1% of variance in students’ IER is explained by inter-ethnic contact through Peace Clubs. Moreover, Peace Clubs seem to achieve more in instilling knowledge that help students to learn about out-groups and display respectful behavior towards them than imparting affective ties like empathy. However, there were gaps on regularity of contact, equality of learning opportunities among members, setting suitable settings for dialogues and rewarding positive behaviors to make clubs impactful. Finally, the need to create Inter-Ethnic and Co curricular Policies and Inter-cultural and Co-curricular wing in the Federal MoE officeis are proposed so as to systematically manage CoCPs in general and Peace Clubs in particular in a way they can contribute for positive IER of public university students in Ethiopia. Further more, areas of future research were implied.Item Community Policing and Its Role in Promoting Human Security: The Case of Dire-Dawa City Administration(Addis Ababa University,, 2019-06) Habtamu Eshetu; Daniel Gebreegziabher (Ph.D.)Community policing is a strategy which aims at solving community problems related to physical security by the engagement of the society. The main purpose of the study is to assess the role of community policing in human security in Dire Dawa City Administration (DDCA). To this end, this study employed a mixed case study research approach to examine the role of community policing in the prevention and reduction of crime as well as reversing security threat of the local communities. The data were collected through in-depth interviews, document review, and Focus Group Discussion as well as personal observation, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The participants of this study were selected purposefully based on their experience and active engagement in the implementation of community policing. The result of this study reveals that the implementation of community policing in DDCA plays a crucial role in promoting physical security by preventing and reducing crime and individual security threats. In identifying security problems, both the local community and police engage in accordance with the values of community policing. Moreover, it is featured by accessible, community-oriented and participatory approach. Lack of manpower, shortage of office equipment‟s and assignment of officers beyond their responsibility were identified as problems in the study areas. Therefore, the DDPC should focus on restructuring community policing to incorporate elements of human security in community policing services and support the structure with full equipment and other accessories and also other NGOs and academic institution have to support it.Item Road Traffic Accident and Its Implications on Human Security: The Case of Sendafa Beke Town of Oromia National Regional State(Addis Ababa University,, 2019-07) Asmare Zelelew; Daniel Gebreegziabher (Ph.D.)Road traffic accident becomes the leading causes of death, disability, injuries, and property damage resulted in economic loss and other problems globally, with a greater number of occurring in developing countries. Globally, over 1.35 million people die every year in the world’s roads, and between 20 and 50 million people suffer from nonfatal injuries. Developing countries account for 93% of road traffic deaths, while the same countries account for only 54% of the global vehicle. With an average death rate of 27.5 deaths per 100,000 populations, the risk is more than 3 times higher in developing countries than in developed countries where the average rate is 8.3 deaths per 100,000 populations. The objective of this thesis is to investigate the prevalence of road traffic accident, its implications on human security and measures taken by Sendafa Beke Town Administration and other stakeholders to reduce and/or prevent road traffic accident. To this end, this thesis employed mixed research with a great emphasis on a qualitative case study. The data were collected from both primary and secondary sources through questionnaire, in-depth interview and document analysis and analyzed using thematic analysis. The participants of this thesis were selected purposefully based on their knowledge, engagement, and experience in dealing with or being a victim of road traffic accidents. The results of this thesis reveal that the prevalence of road traffic accident in Sendafa Beke Town Administration has been increasing over time and that road traffic accident affects significantly the physical, economic and health security of the victims as well as the communities. Moreover, the authorities and stakeholders of by Sendafa Beke Town Administration have used awareness creation and enforcement of traffic rules and regulation as a major preventive and reduction measure of road traffic accidents.Item The South Sudanese Refugee Influx to Ethiopia and Its Impact on Host Communities: The Case of Gambella Regional State(Addis Ababa University, 2019-06) Gatwech Wuor; Daniel G/Egziabher (PhD)One of the most eminent outcomes of civil war is the influx of the refuges to their neighboring countries. Specifically, the recent civil war in the Republic of South Sudan that has resulted into the displacement of thousands of people entered into Ethiopia. The study was, therefore, undertaken with the aim of investigating the overall socio-economic and political impact of the refugee flow in the Gambella Peoples’ Regional State of Ethiopia, particularly the Gambella town and Itang Special woreda. The research employed a qualitative method with a Non-probability technique to acquire relevant data. Primary and secondary data was collected through, in-depth interviews or KII, FGD and Observation, and from books, journal articles, and national and international agencies’ reports. Data was collected using in-depth interviews and FGDs participants. The qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Research findings indicated that the host community-refugee relationships were characterized by the competition over scarce resources. This was the fact that, refugee settlements on host communities have economic, social, political, and environmental impacts in which, resources shared communally such as water, food, housing, and medical services were of contentious values. Social and environmental impacts such as crimes and unlawful movement, deforestation are additional threats to the surrounding communities. However, evidence show that hosting refugee resulted in both negative and positive as refugee bring together with development aspects including skill transfer. It is thus suggested that both the federal and regional government should play important role to properly implement towards ensuring support for social benefits among local and refugee communities. In addition, the Ethiopian government and UN agencies should expand the capacity for social services such as health, education and water supplies so that both sides benefits from key public services.Item Human Security Implications of Oromo-Somali Conflict Induced Displacement in Ethiopia: The Case of Burayu Town(Addis Ababa University,, 2020-01) Gudeta Regassa; Yonas Adaye (PhD)This study is focused on the human security implications of Oromo-Somali conflict induced displacement (CID) on human security in Ethiopia particularly who are relocated to Burayu Town. To achieve the objective a qualitative descriptive research design was implemented. The primary source of data was collected through key informants and in-depth interviews. Key informants were purposively selected from different governmental organizations whereas in depth interviewees were selected from internally displaced persons (IDPs) based on snowball sampling technique. The finding of the study shows that lack of quick response to demarcate the boundary between the two regions as per the 2004 referendum, rent-seeking and contraband, and failure to deploy security forces timely as the causes of displacement. Instrumentalism and primordialism were also initiated the displacement under the shade of ethnic federation. The study also revealed that Conflict induced displacement negatively affected human security, means of livelihood and properties of Melka Gefersa Kebele IDPs. As the result, they are suffering from food, water, health insecurities and psychological inferiority complex. Inadequate housing and lack of social services nearby relocation site are among the major factors that have negatively affected security of Melka Gefersa Kebele IDPs. The rehabilitation mechanism of IDPs is also just like lifesaving since it is short term based both in food and nonfood assistance. Furthermore, Melka Gefersa households IDPs are challenged to borrow money from micro financial institutions in rehabilitating their life because of delayed responses to give residential site plan for all households.Item Chinese Investment in Ethiopia and Its Implications to Environmental Security: The Case of Eastern Industry Zone(Addis Ababa University,, 2019-06) Betremussie Getinet; Yonas Adaye (PhD)Environmental security, which is very important element of human security, is now highly challenged by investment projects of which industrial sectors are taking the highest share. The large scale influx of FDIs especially in sectors such as manufacturing industries is heightening environmental pressures on the host country. Such FDI related environmental problems may force the people who are originally living around the areas at where those FDIs operated to experience a negative impact on their overall security. This thesis is focuses on the implications of Chinese FDI in Ethiopia to environmental security by taking the case of east industrial zone which is one of the Chinese owned mega investment projects in Ethiopia with a high potential of posing environmental challenges. Many argue that most FDIs conducted by China particularly in developing countries including Ethiopia are always been the subject of criticism most of it deserved. The overall objective of this study is to explore the implications of eastern industrial zone to the wellbeing of the local environment. Qualitative research methods with exploratory research design were adopted. The tools used to gather the data were primary sources (in-depth interviews with members of the community, key informants interview with concerned experts in the area and the issue) and via personal observation. Non probability (purposive and snowball) sampling technique was employed to select the participants. The result of the study reveals that east industrial zone is posing serious environmental threats up on the communities living near around it. Among others, the discharge of untreated wastes and effluents, noise and air pollution and problems associated with its poor drainage system are the major and the most common environmental problems associated with the zone. Such environmental problems which are occurred due to east industrial zone are exposing the local residents for a multitude of economic, social and health problems. According to the study, these environmental challenges are posed mainly because of the irresponsive and negligence behavior of the companies found in the industry zone. Companies in the zone are focusing mainly on earning economic profits at any cost including the environment. The host country‟s weak capacity and commitment for the actual and strict implementation of the existing legal procedures and regulations and to take appropriate responses is also another responsible factor for the occurrence of such environmental pitfalls in that depth. Based on the study result, the researcher therefore recommends for the responsible governmental body to re-examine the actual implementations of the legal investment procedures, and re- adjust them in a way that allows the development of industrial zone in a more efficient and rational manner.Item The Impact of Social Media on National Security: the case of Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2018-12) Kalkidan Solomon; Tigist Yeshiwas (PhD)Social medias can be used as a mass communication tools and also connection materials, they are in a day to day growing levels and creating a more globalized world bearing in mind their proximity and flexibility, including their lower expenses. These social media podiums are currently reaching social and security consequences for the citizens of Ethiopia, in considering the socio political implications they have also economic impacts in the country. In order to defend Ethiopia’s freedom, security and prosperity, it is only reasonable that many rational and investigated be done about how the government of Ethiopia can connect online social networking trappings and in equal degree controlling the issues in the impacts they brought as a threat to the national security of Ethiopia. The purpose of this study is to investigate social media and national security threats in Ethiopia. The social media can be said to draw it’s respire from the laws and principles of the traditional mass media and the fundamentals of the freedom of expression. Even though there are no laws particularly on the social media, it still runs freely in Ethiopia without any government restraint. This thesis pursues to analyse freedom of expression and to what extent the social media within the Ethiopian context is free and influencing the social media. Generally, as per their nature social medias are quickly evolving and are able to address every sector and direction rendering the geo-economic, political and socio-cultural elements, the thesis will focus on analysing the factors by the social media on the national security of Ethiopia and response on the government also the social media community accordinglyItem GOMY: An Investigation of the Traditional Conflict Management System among the Gamo People (Gamo Zone), Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region(Addis Ababa University, 2020-08) Endalamaw Kebede; Habtamu Wondimu (Professor)In Ethiopia, the traditional conflict management system has been playing significant role in addition to formal court system for many years. These institutions are supporting the people to manage their conflicts in the places where there is no adequate public service and lack of government legitimacy. The objective of this study is to explore GOMY an Investigation of the Traditional Conflict Management System among the Gamo People (Gamo Zone), Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, qualitative research method and exploratory research design was employed. Key informant interview, focus group discussion, observation and document review were the central data collection techniques. Gamo zone was selected based on purposive sampling techniques in conflict management system. Key informant interviews were made with experts from culture and tourism directorate and elders from different kebeles in the Gamo Zone. Also, purposive sampling technique was employed to select the study participants for the focus group discussion. Gomy as a traditional conflict management system has significantly contributed towards the promotion of peace and security in the Zone. Gomy is served or used as reinforcing bar for Dubbusha and Cima conflict resolution methods. Because, Gomy clearly stated, what is transgression and sanction among the Gamo people. It helps people live in harmonious way through mutual respect and care for each other as gomy contains political, economic and social aspects. On the other hand, Gomy faces a lot of challenges from the urbanization, Christianity and interference from the government. Moreover, it lacks attention from the government institution to preserve and promote the system. The study shows that Gomy as a traditional conflict management system plays significant role in promoting peace and security through handling conflicts before the occurrence of loss of life and material destruction in the zone. Hence, other nations and nationalities could take a lesson from the Gamo people in the time the country is looking for an angle to spread the gospel of peace across the country.Item Socio-Economic Security Problems of the Murle and their Neighbours across the Ethiopia-South Sudan Border(Addis Ababa University, 2019-03) Tasew Tafese; Tadesse Berisso (Associate Professor); William S. Reno (Professor)This dissertation examines the socio-economic bases of the Murle and their neighbours across the Ethiopia-South Sudan border, in relation to security problems. The borderland people narrated their hostile relations with the Murle by referring their pervasive practices of cattle raiding, child abduction, and violent confrontations. Taking the case of the Murle and their borderland neighbours, following an ethnographic approach and adapting qualitative research methodology, data was gathered from members of the local community, humanitarian organizations, and officials across the border. Pertinent literatures were discussed on three themes, i.e., intergroup conflicts, contemplation of state borders, the socio economic interactions, and finally assessed the gaps of intellectual discussion regarding the socio-economic security problems across the border. Data analysis and interpretation was situated thematically. For those people across the border cattle, children, and land are the base of their economic asset. However, the borderland people are affected by intrinsic cultural assumptions such as – the Murle people believed that “all cattle in the world belong to them and need to collect cattle from other places and communities and follow a philosophy of enlarging their population to have enough potential to bargain the available natural resources”; the Jikany-Nuer predominantly depend on cattle while the Anyuaa believe that land is their sole property. To secure their intrinsic cultural assumption, they developed survival struggle mechanisms – the Anyuaa used defensive and preservation mechanisms; the Jikany-Nuer used protection and expansion mechanisms; and the Murle used collection and monopolization mechanisms. These complicated socio-economic interactions of the Murle and their borderland neighbours imply a security problem which is exacerbated by human security threats. The local government is unable to mitigate these threats and security problems due to the challenges of border porosity, South Sudanese instability, state customary disintegration, and fractured relations. The main predator of the borderland socio economic threats and security problems are the Murle youth. They infiltrate the Ethiopian border to raid cattle, abduct children, and confront the defenders. The main factors of their instigation are their idleness, widespread poverty, economic deterioration, and socio-cultural disorder. Moreover, the Murle red chiefs’/kings’ traditional system is malfunctioned by stripping its power since the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan colonial period; which eroded their cultural power to manage their youth that they categorized into age-groups.Item Disarmament Demobilization and Reintegration of Ex-Combatants in Ethiopia: The Case of Gumuz Peoples Democratic Movement (Gpdm) Armed Group(Addis Ababa University,, 2022-12) Meaza Hussen; Mercy Fekadu (PhD)Ethiopia has a long history of numerous armed conflicts that include civil war in different periods. To stabilize the conflict situation, the country introduced several Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) program under the contexts of both post-conflict and on-going conflict in different times. This thesis studies the 2021 DDR process of Gumuz People Democratic Movement (GPDM) armed group that was implemented in Benishangul Gumuz region of Ethiopia under the context of an on-going conflict situation; this makes it distinct from former researches of Ethiopian DDR experience that were conducted under the context of post-conflict situations. Thus, profile of GPDM armed group and its position for armed struggle, involved actors, negotiation and implementation of the 2021 DDR of GPDM analysed and addressed throughout this thesis. Furthermore, by analyzing the overall DDR process, this thesis identifies the major challenges of the program. A qualitative research design method with case study approach was used during the course of this research. Data collected from both primary and secondary data sources. Accordingly, thirty-seven key informants participated in both in-depth interview and focus group discussions. The finding of the study revealed that, the overall 2021 DDR of GPDM failed to attain its primary goal and led to remobilization and re-introduction of 2022 DDR program of the armed group. All the three phases of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration failed to attain their goal. The program planned to incorporate 4500 ex-combatants, while it targeted and demobilized 3200. Only 2.67% ex-combatabts reintegrated from original planed number, while 3.75% ex combatants reintegrated among those who were actually approached. In addition, the study distinguished several major challenges that contributed to its failure. Those are lack of commitment to the peaceful means, lack of inclusiveness, lack of trust, lack of national and local coordination, conflict entrepreneurs, characteristics of ex-combatants, on-going conflict, and external factors.Item The Impact of Historical Narratives on Ethnic Conflicts in Post-1991 Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University,, 2022-11) Alemayehu Desalegn; Yonas Adaye (PhD)The last 50 years of Ethiopia's history can be characterized by revolutions, popular protests, rebellions, self-determination movements, armed struggles, regime changes, and civil wars. Significant portions of these conflicts and civil wars are caused or supported by historical narratives. The revolution of 1974 was backed by the question of nationality raised by the Ethiopian Student Movement (ESM). As a result, the established narrative on which the imperial regime has been based for centuries is challenged. After the 1991 regime change, the two contending groups confronted each other, as the narratives had been fighting through different courses of action. The main narrative, Pan Ethiopianism, lost its hegemonic status as a government ideology while the opposing ethno-nationalism assumed power through opposition and armed struggle. The dethroned narrative of Pan Ethiopianism continued to fight verbally through opposition parties and non-governmental organizations through the printing and broadcasting media. Ethno-nationalism, on the other hand, was privileged as a government narrative, propagating its ideals through government media and organizations. On top of that, the constitution and the federal arrangement are considered the advantages of ethno-nationalism. These conceptions of each group toward the other created a significant amount of grievance and conflict as a result. This paper aimed to diagnose the features of the two conflicting parties, the perceived deprivations that are raised by both, and the actual conflicts that occurred due to the leading role of the two narratives. Using a qualitative approach, both primary and secondary data are used. Audio and video documents, with printed and unprinted documents such as books, journals, magazines, newspapers, and electronic versions of some documents, have been analyzed. Additional interviews with a few concerned parties are held in order to get at the true causes behind the witnessed conflicts. As the conflict cannot be resolved through decades and still both are approved as the key actors in the nation-building process, reconciliation and peace-building mechanisms have been inquired into by the mentioned methodologies. Based on his research endeavor, the researcher recommended conflict intervention mechanisms for the peaceful process of the ongoing nation-building process.Item Ethnic Federalism and Conflict Management Ethiopia: The Case of Benishangul-Gumuz Reginal State, Metekel Mandura Woreda(Addis Ababa University, 2021-08) Asnakew Tuwi; Mesfin Gebermichael (PhD)Ethnic federalism allows the political authority of local governments to manage ethnic issues in their respective region of the country. In this autonomy, the power of local administration is given to the local people or local institutions to manage ethnic-related conflicts at the local level of society. Following this most people study that ethnic federalism is a source of ethnic conflict as an ineffective state structure to manage ethnic conflict in Ethiopia. This study is examining the institutional function in conflict management at the local level of administration. The main objective of the study is to determine factors that affect local administration in conflict management in Metekel Mandura woreda. Methodologically, the researcher employed a qualitative research approach, cause study research design, primary and secondary data sources, purposive sampling techniques, and an explanatory method of data analysis in the study. The findings of this study are ethnic line institutional administration at a local level encouraged ethnic conflict in a multi-ethnic society. Moreover, the study found that the absences of reconciliation and compensation, and non-integrative socio-cultural conflict management with institutional conflict management in the conflict managements are a problem for the continuity of ethnic conflict in Mandura woreda.Item Mining Development and Human Security In Ethiopia: Case Study on Midroc Lege Dembi Gold Mine, in Odo Shakiso Woreda of Oromia Regional State(Addis Ababa University, 2019-11) Getaneh Wudeneh; Fana Gebresenebet (PhD)Mining industry has the potential to significantly contribute to Ethiopia‟s economic development. However, such projects are also recognized as one of the most pressing areas of human security threats. The study examines the human security implications of mining development projects in Ethiopia, by taking the case of MIDROC gold mine in Odo Shakiso Woreda of Oromia Regional State. It also investigates the regulatory frameworks and the dynamics of MIDROC gold mine - Odo Shakiso community conflict. To this end, the study employed a qualitative research approach. The data was collected through interviews, document review, personal observation, and FGDs and analyzed thematically. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select informants from the community, officials from the company and the government and subject area experts based on their experience, expertise, and resourcefulness. Snowball sampling technique was also employed to select informants from the victims. The researcher faced with fear and suspicion of informants to provide the relevant information during the data collection, but managed by ensuring confidentiality and anonymity of information and identity of informants. The findings of the study confirm the human security threats of MIDROC gold mine on the health, environment and economic status of the Odo Shakiso community. The mineral extraction /mining method, chemicals and wastes and the expansion projects of the mine cited as the potential source of threats. The findings also confirmed the inadequate threat mitigation strategies of MIDROC and the regulatory organs inability to oversee inspect and regulate the daily operations of the mine. It is, therefore, the sum total of the mine‟s human security threat, little regulatory oversight by regional and federal governments, and lack of local development contribution that aggravated local‟s grievance over the mine. This grievance escalated to widespread anti-mine opposition which resulted in project suspension and several human and material lost. The finding also disclosed the country‟s failure to mutually reinforce human security and development on its mining development projects and affirmed the inextricable nature of peace, development and human security. Finally, the finding suggested victim‟s compensation, environmental reclamation, the establishment of viable institution and sound policy framework, the reengineering of CDPs, the implementation of participatory, transparent and accountable system for stakeholders engagement and responsible miningItem Analyzing Intellegence Reform in Ethiopia: The Case of Ethiopian National Intelligence and Security Services(Addis Ababa University,, 2021-08) Tolera Gudina; Daniel Gebreegziabher (PhD)The purpose of this study examines how a series of Ethiopian national Intelligence and Security Service reforms implemented from 1991 to 2018 contributed to its professionalization. To attain this objective, the study employed a qualitative research methodology. In-depth interviews and public document reviews were used to collect primary data. Moreover, for secondary data, appropriate literature is consulted. The findings of the study revealed that the intelligence institution has made two reforms from 1991-2018 being forced by the revolution and professionalization of the institution; the first one was made from 1991-1995 and the second one was made from 2008-2013 which was made in the form of BPR. It also shows that Ethiopian National Intelligence and Security Service have faced numerous challenges. The first and foremost important factor that hampered the effectiveness of the institution was the lukewarm proclivity to build a politically independent, strong, and people-oriented institution. The study indicated that despite a series of reforms made to improve the effectiveness of the institution particularly from 1991 to 2018, no significant improvement was made in relation to the independence of the institution. In line with this, it asserted that the intention of EPRDF was not to improve the effectiveness of the institution in ensuring the fundamental rights and security of citizens, rather making sure to serve as a guardian of the party’s lust for the perpetuation of power. Moreover, the recruitment criteria prioritized the candidate's loyalty to be hired in the institution than considering merit-based criteria. Thereby, it is partisanship, not merit that had been entertained in the institution. Concerning the institution’s problems, the institution did not hesitate to violate citizens’ fundamental rights if citizens were critical of the ruling party. Despite its terrible problems, the intelligence institution had success in tackling international terrorist organizations. To overcome the challenges, the country should establish a politically independent institution that is more concerned with the welfare of the people than with the interests of the ruling party.