INTER-ETHNIC CONFLICT BETWEEN AMAHARA AND B.GUMUZ ETHNIC GROUPS:

Abstract

Inter-ethnic conflict is the conflict between two different ethnic groups for different purposes. This study is conducted on the inter-ethnic conflict between Amahara and Binshangu Gumuz. There is research conducted on ethnic based conflicts but failed to capture the major factors for inter-ethnic conflict on the study area Therefore, the researcher need to fill the existing gap and contribute some sorts of knowledge for administrators by identifying the major factors and consequences of the inter-ethnic conflict and propose the possible solution that needs to be. In this study, the researcher used both qualitative and quantitative research approach and descriptive research design were employed in order to achieve the objectives and to answer for the research questions. The researcher also employed the two categories of data source, -primary and secondary. The former was accessed from observation, interviews, questionnaire and FGD while the latter sources were obtained from document (minutes) on the conflict from the study area. In order to select sample and sample size the researcher used stratified purposive sampling method. In this case, from conflicting areas one woreda was purposively selected from both ethnic groups and out of 52903 population five percent (0.34%) 180 respondents were selected. These were stratified in to five groups based on their professions; age, sex and position in order to ensure the validity of the research. The data were analyzed using descriptive and statistics like, tables, figures, maps and diagrams. The study indicated that there are six common causes of inter-ethnic conflict between Amahara and Binshangu Gumuz ethnic groups.These are: lack of geographical demarcation, on pre-state farm area, due to lack of good governance, competition over natural resources, sociocultural factors and proliferation of small weapons. And the conflict resulted in economic, social and political crises in the study area. Moreover, the study has proved that the Ethiopian Government recent move to find solution for the problems of inter-ethnic conflict is interesting even though still there are manifestations of problems. Therefore, in order to bring sustainable peace in this conflicting area, both federal government and regional governments should give more attention, and mark boundary demarcation based on the consent of two ethnic groups.