Interpreting Ethiopia's Constitution

 Ethiopia Insight published on 13 February 2026 a commentary titled "Reimagining Ethiopia's Constitutional Architecture" by Nagessa Dube, a lawyer in Seattle, Washington.

The author argues that Ethiopia needs constitutional reform.  Courts now have almost no authority to interpret the constitution; it is in the hands of a political body.  He believes constitutional interpretation needs to be transferred to an independent judiciary and the ongoing National Dialogue offers a rare chance to make this change.  

Empowering Ethiopia's Judiciary

 Ethiopia Insight published on 5 June 2025 a commentary titled "Empowering Ethiopia's Judiciary" by Nagessa Dube, a lawyer in Seattle, Washington.

One of the most glaring weaknesses in Ethiopia's system of governance is the lack of an empowered, independent judiciary.  Judges must be given the authority to strike down unconstitutional laws.

Avoiding a Crisis between Ethiopia's Federal Government and Tigray

 The International Crisis Group published on 30 October 2020 a briefing titled "Steering Ethiopia's Tigray Crisis Away from Conflict."

Ethiopian federal authorities and Tigray's regional government are heading toward a major crisis.  Cooler heads in Addis Ababa and Tigray's capital of Mekelle should work urgently to defuse this dangerous situation, which could lead to federal military intervention in Tigray and then a wider conflagration.  

Ethiopia: Crisis with Tigray Calls for Deescalation

 Ethiopia Insight posted on 9 October 2020 a commentary titled "Far-sighted Federal Solidarity, Not Power Politics and Legalism, Is Needed to Solve Tigray Dispute" by Zemelak Ayitenew Ayele, Addis Ababa University. 

The political crisis between the federal government and Tigray regional government demands a creative solution that deescalates the situation and focuses on national unity.  

Ethiopian Politics: A Silver Lining to COVID-19

Ethiopia Insight posted on 24 July 2020 a commentary titled "Neither Premier's Power Grab nor Polls Will Unpick our Political Puzzle" by Semahagn Abebe, Endicott College, Massachusetts.

The COVID-19 emergency may have a silver lining by providing Ethiopia the opportunity to focus on forging a political consensus and reconciliation.  The Prosperity Party should use the opportunity to facilitate an inclusive transitional process that ensures the participation of opposition parties, scholars, activists, and civic and religious leaders.

Ethiopia's Postponed Election: A Legal Solution to a Political Problem

Ethiopia Insight posted on 12 May 2020 a commentary titled "Ethiopia Requires a Legal Solution to a Political Problem" by Mister Sew, a pseudonym.

The author reviews the 4 options for solving the constitutional conundrum concerning the postponement of Ethiopia's national elections. The author calls for a legal solution to a political problem.

Ethiopia: Postponing Elections and the Constitution

Ethiopia Insight published on 2 May 2020 a commentary titled "A Constitutional Path towards Political Normalization" by Mamo Mehretu, senior policy advisor to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

The author says containing COVID-19 must supersede all other priorities, which includes postponement of parliamentary elections this year. He suggests there are four options once the current government goes beyond its constitutional mandate. He recommends that the issue be referred to the House of Federation for an authoritative interpretation of the constitution.

Ethiopia: Somali Region Charges Underrepresentation and Discrimination

Ethiopia Insight published on 21 January 2020 a commentary titled "Democratic Reform Must Mean Fair Deal for Long-suffering Somalis" by Mohamed Olad, advisor to the president of Somali Region.

The author makes the argument that the people of Somali Region are underrepresented in Ethiopia's House of Federation. He adds that this is just the tip of the iceberg of systematic discrimination that Somalis have endured over the last century.