Conflict between Ethiopian Nationalism and Regionalism

 Ethiopia Insight published on 25 June 2025 a commentary titled "Othering in Disguise: Nationalism, Regionalism, and the Search for Civic Belonging in Ethiopia" by Daniel Hailu, a multidisciplinary researcher.  

The author argues that Ethiopia's political landscape is shaped by two powerful, often contradictory forces: nationalism, which unites people under a shared identity, and regionalism or federalism, which seeks to empower marginalized groups through autonomy.  But within both "isms" is a tendency to define oneself by negating the other.  To build enduring unity, Ethiopia must cultivate a culture where identity is not weaponized.  

Promoting Peace in South Sudan

 The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute published in June 2024 a paper titled "Towards Humanitarian Action that Intentionally Promotes Peace in South Sudan" by Simone Bunse, Caroline Delgado, and Marie Riquier.  

The paper proposes four theories of change for international peacebuilding.  The first relates to livelihood opportunities and keeping children in school.  The second concerns the connectedness between diverse ethnicities and communities through conflict-sensitive volunteerism.  The third consists in helping socialized program volunteers transition into leadership roles for greater transformational impacts.  The fourth involves vertical and horizontal integration with broader development and peacebuilding efforts.  

Constitutional Reform in Ethiopia

 Ethiopia Insight published on 5 July 2023 a commentary titled "Could Constitutional Reform End Ethiopia's Political Forever War?" by Leul Estifanos, freelance court reporter.

Some Ethiopians see ethnic federalism as the source of all its ills while others see it as the remedy.  The main political fault lines emerging in Ethiopian politics are diverging divisions among those who envisage a multinational federal or centralized state, federal or otherwise.  

There is no easy way to bridge Ethiopia's ideological divisions.  This raises the question of constitutional reform or change.  The author argues that constitutional change must be based on a broad consensus and not be rushed.  

Ethnic Minorities from Northern Ethiopia Afraid to Return from Sudan

 The New Humanitarian published on 16 February 2023 an article titled "Ethiopian Minorities Remain Fearful Despite Peace Deal" by Claire Wilmot, London School of Economics.

Minority Kunama, Irob, Qemant, and Agew from northern Ethiopia who became refugees in Sudan are still fearful about returning to their homes.  The article also sheds light on the broader concerns of these small ethnic groups.  

Is It Possible to Heal Ethiopia's Ethnic Wounds?

 Ethiopia Insight published on 16 January 2023 a commentary titled "Because of the War, Many Tigrayans No Longer Identify with Ethiopia" by Asmelash Yohannes Teklu, former head of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission office in Tigray.

The author argues that during the civil war thousands of Tigrayans were slaughtered by federal troops, Amhara militia, and Eritrean soldiers.  Others have experienced atrocities.  As a result, the author says many Tigrayans "have now completely rejected their Ethiopian identity."

An Evangelical Analysis of the Ethiopian Peace Agreement

 Evangelical Focus published on 17 November 2022 an article titled "Ethiopia and Tigray Reach Peace Agreement 'to Prevent Total Extinction of the Region', Say Evangelicals" by Jonatan Soriano.

Evangelicals welcome the Ethiopian peace agreement but fear the ethnic divisions in Ethiopia are so wide and deep that they will take generations to overcome.  

Ethiopia: Commentary that Will Upset Almost Everyone

 Canada's Macdonald-Laurier Institute posted on 19 November 2021 a commentary titled "Why the US Needs to Reset Its Approach to the Conflict in Ethiopia" by Yonas Birru, former World Bank employee. 

Some element of this commentary will anger nearly every politically aware member of the Ethiopian diaspora and a lot of outside observers.  But that may be a good thing.  Perhaps it is time that everyone consider looking at this conflict from a different perspective.   

Ethnic Arrests in Addis Ababa

 The BBC reported on 20 November 2021 a story titled "Ethiopia's Tigray Conflict: Mass Arrests and Ethnic Profiling Haunt Addis Ababa" by Andrew Harding.

The story reports that large numbers of Tigrayans are being arrested in Addis Ababa for allegedly supporting or sympathizing with the Tigrayan People's Liberation Movement.  

Local Violence Engulfs South Sudan

 UN News published on 19 February 2021 a summary of a new UN Human Rights Commission report on violence in South Sudan.  

The UN Human Rights Council-appointed investigators said the bloodshed faced by civilians in South Sudan is the worst recorded since the country's civil war began in December 2013.  Most of the violence is occurring at the local level.  The Commission members described the situation as shocking.  

Ethiopia: Interview with ESAT TV Ethiopia

 ESAT TV Ethiopia and Gizaw Legesse interviewed me for 50 minutes on 12 January 2021 on issues related to Ethiopia.

The interview focused on the current situation in Ethiopia, especially the conflict in Tigray Region and the political situation generally in the country.  It also covered Ethiopia-Sudan relations and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.  

Voice of America Podcast on Crisis in Ethiopia

 The Voice of America broadcast on 20 November 2020 a 25-minute program titled "Ethiopia: Verge of Civil War?"

I joined Susan Stigant, United States Institute of Peace, on Carol Castiel's "Encounter" program concerning a wide-ranging discussion of the situation in Ethiopia.

Ethiopia: Press Briefing with US Assistant Secretary of State and US Ambassador

 The U.S. Department of State held a teleconference on 19 November 2020 titled "Briefing with Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Tibor P. Nagy and U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Michael A. Raynor on the Situation in Ethiopia's Tigray Region."

In his opening remarks, Tibor Nagy stated: "We strongly urge an immediate de-escalation of tensions, a cessation of hostilities, and a return to peace.  The protection and security of all civilians is essential.  Our top priority is ensuring the welfare, protection, and security of U.S. citizens."

Ethiopia: Ethnic Factor in the Conflict

 The New York Times published on 15 November 2020 an article titled "They Once Ruled Ethiopia. Now They Are Fighting Its Government" by Declan Walsh and Simon Marks.  

The authors focus on the role of Tigrayans in the previous Ethiopian government led by the EPRDF and their current conflict with the Abiy Ahmed government.  

Ethiopia: Two Book Reviews

The American Interest published in March 2020 two book reviews titled "The Long Ethiopian Century" by James Barnett, journalist covering East Africa.

The author reviewed two recent books about Ethiopia: The Wife's Tale: A Personal History by Aida Edemariam and The Shadow King: A Novel by Maaza Mengiste. The Wife's Tale is a personal history of the 97-year life of the author's Ethiopian grandmother. The Shadow King is a novel based on a female resistance fighter during the Italo-Ethiopian war.

Politics in Ethiopia

Ethiopia Insight posted on 18 March 2020 a commentary titled "A New Dominant Party Delays Democratization" by Rebecca Zerihun.

The author argues that long-standing discontent in Ethiopia has always centered on the right to self-rule at the local level. The questionable implementation of Ethiopian federalism under the EPRDF has led to a misdiagnosis of this root problem. The author continues that the nationally-based Prosperity Party could potentially undermine any prospect of Ethiopian democratization because it signifies little if any change from the way the EPRDF functioned.

Challenges Facing Ethiopia's Upcoming Election

The Washington Post published on 8 March 2020 an article titled "Ethiopia's First Shot at Real Democracy Could Be Derailed before Elections Are Held" by Max Bearak.

The article suggests that ethnic violence could mar the political process as Ethiopia approaches parliamentary elections in August.

Ethiopia: A Critique of Abiy Ahmed's Leadership

Ethiopia Insight published on 25 February 2020 a commentary titled "Preaching Unity but Flying Solo, Abiy's Ambition May Stall Ethiopia's Transition" by Rene Lefort.

The author suggests that Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has isolated himself from his closest allies and from his political base.

Ethiopia: Understanding Medemer

The U.S. Institute of Peace conducted a podcast of almost two hours on 13 February 2020 titled "A Changing Ethiopia: Understanding Medemer." The panelists were Fitsum Arega Gebrekidan, Ethiopian ambassador to the U.S., Lencho Bati and Mamo Mihretu, both in the prime minister's office in Addis Ababa, and Etana Dinka, Oberlin College. USIP's Aly Verjee moderated the session.

The panelists covered a wide range of issues but focused on medemer, an Amharic concept which means coming together or national mobilization.

Customary Authority in South Sudan

The Rift Valley Institute published in 2019 a study titled "Making Order Out of Disorder: Customary Authority in South Sudan" by Cherry Leonardi, Durham University.

South Sudan's customary authorities--mostly, but not exclusively, termed as chiefs--played a key role as brokers between the rebels and local populations during conflict between the government of Sudan and southern rebels. Chiefs remain an important institution within local government and the justice system but the capacity of chiefs to enforce court decisions and resolve local conflicts is limited without government support. Chiefs continue to play a leading role in defining custom.

Ethiopia: Local Elections May Show Way Forward

Ethiopia Insight posted on 29 May 2019 a commentary titled "Political Shake-up and Localism Can Edge Ethiopia Forwards" by Rene Lefort.

The ruling EPRDF is paralyzed. Local elections could mark an important step forward and possibly lead to a new political settlement in Ethiopia.