Abstract:
The 1995 FDRE Constitution establishedethnic federalism and restructured the regions along
ethnic linguistic lines. Thus theconstitution has given much protection to nation, nationality and people
of Ethiopia to have the right to self - determination up to and including secessionas a solution to
resolve past injustice and civil war.However, reality shows that Ethiopia is still very much controlled
by central government, and the constitutional guaranteed rights of nationalities are not adequately
implemented in a genuine manner.The most debating issue is the constitution has focused on the rights
of nations, nationalities and peoples to secession and self-determination rather than establishing a clear
procedures for sufficient representation of the diverse ethnic groups in the government institutions.
Reallyit is difficult toexercise secessionistself-determination in the context of Ethiopia which has been
influenced by centuries of migration and interaction between ethnic groups, who have created a
complex pattern of ethnic, linguistic and religious groups. The article thus attempts to highlight some
of the outstanding controversial issues, and challenges of the external aspect of the right to selfdetermination.
To this end, the study draws from extensive literature reviews, previous research works,
and journal articles relating to the issue of the topic. And finally, conclusions and recommendations
will be drawn.
