Minority Right in Federal Ethiopia: Case Study of Fuga Minority in Oromia Regional State of Dire Enchini Woreda
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Date
2016-06
Authors
Guteta, Girmaye
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
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 animalsprevent them in full
participation of the group in the wider society. They are craft workers and no have excess lands
to cultivate.
Key wordsDire Enchiniworeda; Minorities; Fugas;Federalism; marginalized
Description
Keywords
Right in Federal Ethiopia,Study of Fuga Minority, Oromia Regional State , , , ,