The Role of Ethiopia’s Diaspora Diplomacy and Engagement since the Mid-2018 Political Reform in Ethiopia: Challenges and Prospects
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Date
2020-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
One of the recent developments of political reform in Ethiopia is related to the diaspora’s diplomacy and engagement. This reform has changed not only the relationship between the Ethiopian government and the Ethiopian diaspora, but also the method and culture of engagement. This research is concerned with the current reform and its impacts on diaspora diplomacy and engagement of Ethiopia. To this end, the study aimed at describing and analyzing the extent to which factors that contributed to diaspora’s diplomacy and engagement of Ethiopia. Accordingly, in terms of research methodology, qualitative approach was employed. The study applied both primary and secondary sources of information. The primary sources of information were collected through a series of interviews with key informants. Apart from this, secondary sources of information were also collected from relevant literature, such as books, internet sources, journal articles, published and unpublished materials, news releases, amended laws and other documents. Qualitative method was used as data analysis technique.
The study identified the roles of Ethiopian diaspora for the changes and overall development of the country since the mid-2018 political reform in Ethiopia. The findings of the study show that approaches of diaspora engagement have changed, but, not without challenges as opportunities are far from properly utilized. Among the constraints, institutional issue, division among segments of the Ethiopian diaspora, and deficiency of management among diaspora stakeholders. On the other hand, the study findings identified prospects such as changes in engaging the Ethiopian diaspora, changes in attitude towards the Ethiopian diaspora, enhancement of the role of embassies and consulates for effective engagement of the Ethiopian diaspora, and the re-welcoming atmosphere for Ethiopian diasporas that would encourage them to enhance their constructive roles chiefly in politics and economy of Ethiopia. The findings of the study suggested that the Ethiopian diaspora politics is a reflection of internal politics of the country, and, consequently, the stance and support of the Ethiopian diaspora towards the government fluctuates swiftly. The findings also suggested that a successful transition to democratic system is vital for effectively engaging the Ethiopian diaspora and gain their unwavering consistent support and contribution to the advancement of Ethiopia. Based on the empirical discussions, the researcher argues that the political reform in Ethiopia have generally brought about optimistic impacts on the Ethiopian diaspora diplomacy and engagement.
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The Role of Ethiopia’s Diaspora Diplomacy and Engagement since the Mid-2018 Political Reform in Ethiopia: Challenges and Prospects