Self-rule and Representation in Amhara National Regional State: A Case Study on Argoba Nationality
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Date
2016-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Nowadays, federalism has been used as a means for the accommodation of diversity of
different groups with varied interests by minimizing the possibility of the domination of
minority groups by the majority across the world. Ethiopia, in order to manage the
diverse interests of its ethnic groups and rectify historical injustices, adopted a federal
system de facto in 1991 and de jure in 1995. As one pillar of federalism, self-rule and
shared-rule has to be managed fairly for the benefit of all ethnic groups. Self-rule and
representation at the center becomes even more crucial in a divided society like Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian federal system, though the national constitution invests a lot for the
protection of self-rule and representation rights of minority groups, exhibits a gap in fully
implementing these rights at the local level. This is mainly due to the legal lacunae and
other practical problems manifested in the form of interference from higher officials and
the incumbent political party. The Argoba Nationality in South Wollo Zone of the Amhara
National Regional State, as a minority nationality group, has less benefited from the
federal state arrangement as enshrined in the constitution due to factors related to the
above mentioned problems. This study is mainly conducted to examine the practical
implementation of the self-rule and representation rights of Argoba Nationality in the
Ethiopian federation. By doing so, it addressed two basic questions – how the full
measure of self-rule and representation rights of minority groups (taking the Argoba
nationality wereda as a case study) is achieved and secured? What factors prohibited
and/or contributed the Nationality wereda from practicing these rights? To achieve this
purpose, the study has employed qualitative research approach. Both primary and
secondary data sources have been consulted. The study found that, the protection of
Argoba nationality as a minority and local government is performed through mere
recognition of existence. The recognition is not accompanied by other minority ethnic
group rights such as a fully-fledged self-rule and representation rights at the center. For
the recognition to be practical and meaningful, it is better for the regional state to allow
the Argoba Nationality to exercise their self-rule right at the local level and have their
fair share at the center by minimizing top-down interference.
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Self-Ruleand Representation in Amhara