Minority Right in Federal Ethiopia: Case Study of Fuga Minority in Oromia Regional State of Dire Enchini Woreda

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2016-06

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Addis Ababa University

Abstract

After the fall of the military regime in 1991,the FDRE government come up with promises and sight of hope for the respect and promotion of human rights, ethnic minority recognition as well as representation in the political process of the country. The FDRE Constitution made Ethiopian state into an ethnic based federal state with an aim to end oppressive centralized control. By constitution all Nations, Nationalities and Peoples have also the right to have equitable representation in the Federal and State governments (The 1995 FDRE Constitution , Article 39:3). There are extensive constitutional devolution of power to ethnic groups in Ethiopia including minority to recognize, self-govern and represents themselves at any level of governments. Sovereign power resides in each „nation, nationality and people (see Preamble and article 8 of the FDRE Constitution. However the FDRE Constitution has established only nine regional states and two city administration ruled by the Federal governments for more than 80 ethnic groups of the country. In some regional states of Ethiopia the right to self-determination is most likely to be solved practically by giving groups their own zone or special Woreda administration at the local level within the member states of the federation. This means that most ethnically based struggles are scaled down to zone and Woreda level.Oromia Regional State is not homogenous state. There are indigenous and non-indigenous ethnic minority in Oromia region. The Constitution of Oromia does not recognize the existence and the distinct identity of ethnic minority groups in this region though the 2007 population census indicates that there are almost all dispersed ethnic groups in this region. The findings revealed that not all minorities in Oromia Regional State are treated equally though the constitution of the region hardly recognize-s any minority .For instance, Amhara minority in Oromia region are more benefited than marginalized Fuga minority. Primary education is delivered in Amharic depending on the preference of the students.There are also Amharic broadcasting programs on Oromia TV and Radio. Proc. No.116/2006, which encourages the existence and representation of non-Oromo-ethnic groups, recognized only minority lived in 1 st and 2 nd grade cities of Oromia. However, the Fuga marginalized minority lives in the rural areas not benefited from this proclamation.To study this research I used qualitative methods of data analysis such as FGD, Interview and Observation. The study concluded that the Fuga marginalized minorities of Dire Enchini Woreda, accounting the largest minority in the Woreda, have no any representation in the Woreda Council and Administrative Council, not recognized as distinct ethnic group, are not able to exercise the right to develop and promote their culture, no access to education. They grouped under low social status. They are socially, economically and politically highly excluded from any spheres of participation.They have unique cultures, eat what is despised (not eaten by Oromo farmers like died animalsprevent them in full participation of the group in the wider society. They are craft workers and no have excess lands to cultivate. Key wordsDire Enchiniworeda; Minorities; Fugas;Federalism; marginalized

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Right in Federal Ethiopia,Study of Fuga Minority, Oromia Regional State , , , ,

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