Practice of Self-government in the Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples’ Regional State: The Case of Segen Area Peoples’ Zone
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Date
2014-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The purpose of this piece of work is examining practice of self-government in the SNNPRS
with particular reference to the Segen Area peoples’ Zone. Given that the federal project in
Ethiopia is a new model (synthesis) that has replaced the failed ‘nation-sate’ building project
since 1991, self-government to the NNPs has become the ideological core of the incumbent
party and pillar of the constitution. As per the gist of the FDRE Constitution, the NNPs are
the actual constituent units and composers of the federation, and hence they are entitled to
unconditional self-determination right (Art 39 (1)). The SNNPRS, which is one of the 9 subnational
units of the FDRE, is known for extraordinary diversity constituting some 75% of
the total NNPs of the federation. The NNPs of this Regional State practice self-rule at the
local level with territorial autonomy. The Regional State Constitution permits the indigenous
NNPs of the Region to establish local self-government by adopting Zone/Special Woredas
(Art 45(2)). The previously self-governing NNPs in the region namely: Konso, Dirashe, Burji
and Amaro, had been exercising such right for not less than fifteen years. However, currently
they have been merged and established shared Zonal Administration known as Segen Area
Peoples’ Zone incorporating newly emerged Woreda called Alle. The merger has changed
the Special Woredas to Ordinary Woredas, at the same time shifted the nationality self-rule
to multi-ethnic self-rule, which is a paradigm shift from favorable to unfavorable scenario in
view of practice for self-rule. For examination of this study the method and procedure
employed was qualitative in design with multiple data collection tools namely: document
analysis, field observation, FGD, and interview. Triangulation and ethical consideration was
made to come up with reliable and valid findings, conclusions, and recommendations. The
sample technique utilized was purposive sampling- a non-probabilistic method. To this effect,
convenience and judgmental sampling was administered. The data gathered with this method
was systematically organized followed by analysis and interpretation. As per the findings, the
merger has caused negative outcome on the practice of self-rule to the NNPs. The conclusion
drawn is that the merger has negated the constitutional promise and ideological commitment
of the ruling party besides the pragmatic negative outcome. Finally, the study suggested
possible mechanisms to address the challenges of self-rule practice followed by the merger.
Key terms: federalism, self-determination, self-government, ethnicity, and local government
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Keywords
federalism, self-determination, elf-government, ethnicity, local government