Ethnic Federalism and its Challenges for Ethnic Minorities in Benshangul Gumuz National Regional State: The Case of Mandura Woreda using Amhara and Agew ethnic minorities as an illustrative case.

Abstract

The main objective of this thesis was to investigate ethnic federalism and its challenges for ethnic minorities in BGNRS the case of Mandura woreda using Amhara and Agew ethnic minorities as an illustrative case. Hence, to achieve the intended objective, the study employed qualitative research approach and case study research design relying on a range of primary and secondary sources of data. While selecting interviewees, key informants and focus group discussants, both purposive and snowball sampling strategies have employed. The data obtained from secondary and primary sources are analyzed through thematic analysis method. The finding of the study revealed that, after the restructuring of the country based on ethnic lines, socio-economic and political marginalization, structural oppression and ill-treatment are the major challenges and risks that Amhara and Agew ethnic groups are encountered in mandura woreda. Moreover, the study assured that, the change of government in Ethiopia in 2018 which resulted the end of TPLF dominated EPRDF government and the coming of prosperity party government, the challenges and risks of Amhara and Agew ethnic groups are worsen and unthinkable crimes such as displacement, looting and burning of property and murder are committed by Gumuz militant against them. The study elucidated that, structural and institutional oppressions, fabricated anti-Amhara narratives and peace spoilers from both ethno centric government politics and ethnic based political parties sides are the major causes to the challenges of Amhara and Agew ethnic groups who are living in the study area. The fining of this study verified that, Gumuz militant group, and Gumuz and Shinasha local officials are direct actors and TPLF, OLF and Sudan militant are indirect actors to the socio- economic and political challenges of Amhara and Agew ethnic groups who are living in mandura woreda. Lastly, constitutional revision, banning the proliferation of ethnic political parties and structuring Ethiopia based of territorial federalism are recommended by the researcher so as to solve the challenges of Amhara and Agew ethnic minorities in the study area.