Resource and Political Conflicts in Gambella Peoples’ National Regional State: The Case of Itang Special Wereda
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2016-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This thesis assesses the link between political and resource conflicts in post 1991 Itang special wereda of Gambella regional state. Building on qualitative case study approach, data was collected from 16 key informants, two group discussions and one observation. To construct meaning, analytical/interpretative qualitative analysis was adopted supplemented by documents of both published and unpublished, inter alia, thesis, journals, books, manuals, and reports. The study finds out striking interplay between the political and resource conflicts and attributed the underlying sources of the conflicts broadly to political, security and socio-cultural factors. It appears, the federal modus operandi is far from furnishing and harnessing a political culture that facilitate a political game designed to articulate the interest of various groups and build a workable political community. Various groups compete for political power and resources with various narratives of entitlement fomenting disputes. The study reveals inter-ethnic conflict between the Anyuwaa and Nuer, intra-ethnic conflict among the Nuer clans and inter and intra ethnic political conflicts between the Anyuwaa and Nuer as major levels of conflicts. Identity at its various denominations is manifested throughout as main driver of conflict. This is particularly the case given that identity is at the heart of political dispensation and power sharing at various administrative posts.
The study also discloses the interface and interplay between the political and resource conflicts. Numerous variables such as the mode of political dispensation, the social structure, resource scarcity, the culture of politics, response mechanisms to conflicts, and decisions at local, regional and national government add to the intricate relation and link throughout the resource and political conflicts in Itang special district. In light of the findings, the study recommends, for enhancement of democratic culture in party politics and meritocratic entitlement basis, promotion of awareness among various stakeholders about the link between political and resource conflicts, strengthening of civil societies, contextual analysis during the implementation of policies and development projects, systematic address to the demographic politics and the security situation along the border, and the deployment of contextual, informed and inclusive conflict resolution approach.
Key words: Conflict, political conflict, resource conflict, federalism, Itang
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Keywords
Conflict, political conflict, resource conflict, federalism, Itang