December 07, 2024
By Martha G. Selassie
Pressure by International community ( United States. (UN, EU, IMF,WB, Arab League), on Ethiopian government to change the current Ethnic federalism Constitution, will make significant changes to bring peace and security to the Ethiopia and the region, HOA.
Replacing Ethiopia’s current system of ethnic federalism with a “geo-federal” constitution is a significant proposal, which would require changes to the country’s political structure, governance, and potentially its entire national identity. Here’s an overview of the differences between ethnic federalism and geo-federalism and the implications of such a shift:
Current System: Ethnic Federalism
Ethiopia’s current political structure is based on ethnic federalism, which was introduced in the 1995 Constitution after the fall of the Derg regime. Under ethnic federalism. Regional States are organized primarily based on ethnic groups or nations, nationalities, and peoples.
Each region has the right to self-determination, which includes the possibility of secession (a controversial provision). Ethnicity becomes the primary organizing principle of political, social, and cultural life within these regions.
Ethnic federalism is the root cause of Systematic discrimination, ethnic cleansing, ethnically targeted violence and atrocities, forced displacement of millions in their own country, disturbing human right violations, destroying public infrastructures like (schools, hospitals, churches, mosques, universities)
Geo-Federalism: A Proposed Shift
Geo-federalism, on the other hand, refers to a system of governance where regions are not defined by ethnic or cultural groups, but by geographic boundaries, such as administrative regions or natural resources. In this type of federalism. Regions would be defined by geography, economic factors, and natural resources, not ethnicity.
Citizenship and belonging would be based on geographic location rather than ethnic identity, promoting inclusivity and reducing ethnic divisions. The focus would be on governance based on regional needs, development, and shared geographic concerns, rather than ethnicity-based politics.
Potential Advantages of Geo-Federalism
Reduction of Ethnic Tensions: One of the major criticisms of ethnic federalism in Ethiopia is that it has exacerbated ethnic divisions, leading to conflicts and disputes over resources and territory. A shift to geo-federalism could reduce ethnic-based competition for political power and resources.
Promote National Unity: By focusing on geographic rather than ethnic identity, geo-federalism could foster a stronger sense of Ethiopian national identity that transcends ethnic lines.
Decentralized Development: Regions could still have a high degree of autonomy, but it would be based on regional needs and development priorities rather than ethnicity, potentially leading to more equitable development across the country.
Inclusive Citizenship: Ethnic federalism often leads to the exclusion of minorities within ethnic regions, as the dominant ethnic group controls local political power. Geo-federalism could allow for more inclusive governance that doesn’t marginalize any group based on ethnicity.
Avoiding Ethnic Secession Movements: Since the system wouldn’t be based on ethnicity, there would be less incentive for regions to seek secession as a way of asserting ethnic autonomy, although this remains a complex issue in Ethiopia’s multi-ethnic context.
Challenges and Concerns
Ethnic Identity and Rights: Ethiopia has a long history of ethnic-based political identity, and many groups have been advocating for recognition of their rights and cultures through federalism. A shift to geo-federalism could be seen as undermining the hard-won autonomy of these ethnic groups, especially in regions where ethnic groups have a distinct identity and history. But we all need to see and understand the severity of the consequence with Ethnic Federalism.
Resistance from Ethnic Groups: Many ethnic groups may resist geo-federalism because it could dilute their political power and diminish the autonomy they currently enjoy. There could be fears of marginalization and loss of political representation.
Redrawing of Regional Boundaries: Geo-federalism would require significant restructuring of regional boundaries, which could be contentious, particularly in areas where multiple ethnic groups live together or where current borders are closely tied to ethnic identity.
Potential for New Divisions: While ethnic federalism has led to some tensions, geo-federalism could create new challenges related to geographic inequalities, especially in resource distribution and economic development.
Security Risks: Some regions may resist the new system if it weakens their autonomy or resources. There is the risk of conflict, particularly if ethnic groups feel that they would be disadvantaged under a new system.
Implementation Considerations
Constitutional Changes: Transitioning from ethnic to geo-federalism would require extensive constitutional amendments, which would involve public consultations, debates, and consensus-building across Ethiopia’s diverse population.
Political Consensus: Political leaders and ethnic representatives would need to engage in dialogue to find a workable compromise that satisfies both regional autonomy and national unity.
Capacity Building: Ethiopia would need to invest in strengthening institutions of governance at the local and regional levels to ensure effective decentralized administration under a geo-federal system.
Protection of Minority Rights: A geo-federal constitution would need to incorporate provisions for the protection of cultural, linguistic, and social rights of minority groups to ensure that they are not sidelined in the new system.
Conclusion
Replacing ethnic federalism with geo-federalism would be a radical shift in Ethiopia’s political structure, one that could address some of the current system’s challenges while introducing new risks and tensions. The success of such a transition would depend on broad political consensus, the safeguarding of minority rights, and a focus on building a national identity that encompasses Ethiopia’s rich ethnic diversity without exacerbating division.
Source: panafricanvisions
