Ethiopian federalism: Multiethnic challenges and Eritrean secession

Pages: 106-108
Rajesh K. Jha (Department of Political Science, Rajdhani College, University of Delhi, Delhi)

Ethiopia had the challenge of accomodating its diverse Ethnicities in the constitution. The constitution focuses on ethnic autonomy and equality while mainataining the state. Through ethnic federalism it tried to achieve both unity and territorial integrity. The uniqueness of federal system lies in its constitutional provision for the right of secession. This paper analyses the ethnic diversities and the structure of ethnic federalism provided in the constitution. It also examines the working of Ethiopia’s federal system. In the light of Ethiopia-Eritrean relation, it analyses the Eritrean secession from Ethiopia.