Inter-ethnic Conflict Nationalities and Peoples Regional State: The Case of Hadiya and Halaba Ethnic Groups Badawacho Woreda
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Date
2015-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Inter ethnic conflict is one of the serious challenge in any multi ethnic federations like Ethiopia.
Conflicts have a negative effect on socio-economic and political life of a community. Hence, the
conflict between Hadiya-Halaba is a typical example. This study deals with the inter- ethnic
conflict between Hadiya and Halaba ethnic groups that live together in Misrak Badawacho
Woreda in Hadiya Zone in South Regional State. The main aim of this thesis is to examine the
root causes, aggravating actors, effects of this conflict and conflict resolution mechanisms in the
study area. For the purpose of this study the research methodology was designed the qualitative
one. For the primary data the key informants were selected by using judgmental/purposive
sampling technique. It enhanced best information to achieve the objective of this thesis. Through
semi-structured guideline questions in-depth interviews, two Focus group discussions from each
ethnic group and from field observation the primary data were collected. The secondary sources
were also used from written documents, books, and internet sources. The study revealed that the
root causes of this conflict are Halaba ethnic group who are living together with Hadiya in study
area request demarcation to separate from Hadiya of Misrak Badawacho Woreda. Their main
interest is to include into Halaba Special Woreda for exercises self-administration. Whereas
Hadiya group strongly opposed against incorporating with Halaba special Woreda and to
maintain their traditional territory integrity and claiming as their possession. The other one was
the competition between the two groups on arable land for personal cultivation. In addition to
these, isolation of Halaba from power sharing in administrative structures, the use of languages
on service delivery and primary education and lack of sufficient public services are become
causes for the recurrent conflict between the two ethnic groups in the study area. The
involvement of internal and external actors aggravated the conflict. Human and material costs,
breakdown of law and order in the area were some effects of this conflict. Regarding to conflict
management by the effort of Regional and local governments used different modern conflict
resolution mechanisms incorporating traditional resolution method the conflict was resolved
through peace conference. Therefore, the study argues that inter ethnic tensions are prevalent in
a new federal system that attributed to lack of skilled managing in lower level of government
structures. However, the FDRE constitution guaranteed the rights of Nations, Nationalities and
peoples. Besides, the FDRE government established all conflict managing institutions like HoF
and MoFA. Moreover, Regional and local governments manage conflicts through joint or intergovernmental
collaborative mechanisms. Therefore, the system of federalism offered a means to
manage and transform conflict among the diverse ethnic groups and grant the self-rule. Finally,
consider to this conflict the possible solutions underlined recommendation. Regional and local
governments should provide better public services, training lower level of administrative
structures about the federal setup, advancing good governance, implement the development
strategies in the conflict area and others.
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Keywords
Inter-Ethnic Conflict, Nationalities and Peoples Regional State