Inter-Ethnic Conflict in South Western Ethiopia: The Case of Alle and Konso
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Date
2016-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The theme of this study focuses on the inter-ethnic conflict between Alle and Konso of SNNPRS, South Western Ethiopia. The Alle and Konso ethnic groups have a long history of close relationships. The post 1991 Alle-Konso ethnic relation is either peaceful or conflictual. Their peaceful relation is manifested through their economic interdependence as well as shared socio-cultural practices. Since 1991, there were frequent inter-ethnic conflict between the two ethnic groups. The central objective of this research was to investigate the causes, actors, dynamics and impacts of Alle-Konso inter-ethnic conflict. The study was undertaken to investigate the nature of Alle-Konso inter-ethnic relations after the restructuring of the country along ethnic lines (since 1991) with special emphasis to the post-2010 inter-ethnic conflicts. Methodologically, the researcher employed qualitative research approach with exploratory research design. The researcher highly relied on primary sources of data; however secondary sources of data were also used. The tools used to collect data were in-depth interview, telephone interview, FGD and document analysis. Purposive sampling, a type of non-probability sampling was also used to select the participants for in-depth and telephone interview as well as FGD. The analysis of qualitative data was made using Strategic Conflict Analysis (SCA) model. As per the finding of this study, the pre 2010 Alle-Konso inter-ethnic conflict was mainly caused by the quest of Alle common ethnic identity and self-governance. However, their post-2010 conflict is caused by multiplicity of factors: economic, political, security and socio-cultural and psychological factors. The actors involved in the conflict were internal and external actors. Moreover, the study revealed the impacts of the conflict as; economic, social and political. To manage the conflict and build peace in the study area formal and customary mechanisms of conflict management and peace building were undertaken. However, the attempts failed to address the root causes of the conflict and build lasting peace. Thus, as the finding of this study indicated, in the study area there are still minor inter-personal conflicts that can escalate in to inter-ethnic conflict. Based on the analysis of context, causes, actors and dynamics of Alle-Konso inter-ethnic conflict two major scenarios are drawn: Best-Case and Worst-Case Scenarios. The major conclusion drawn is that politicization of ethnicity and/ ethnic mobilization take its lion share for continued and unresolved inter-ethnic conflict between Alle and Konso ethnic groups. Finally, the thesis suggested recommendations to address the conflict and build lasting peace in the study area.
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Keywords
Ethnicity, ethnic-group, politicization of ethnicity, ethnic conflict, Alle, and Konso