Ethiopia stands at a crossroads, grappling with a myriad of challenges that threaten its unity and stability. With a rich tapestry of ethnic and religious diversities, a complex political landscape, and a history marred by conflict, it faces significant challenges in forging a national consensus that can bind its disparate groups together. Though this challenge is not new, it has become more pronounced in the face of ethnic federalism, political instability, and regional tensions that have escalated in recent decades. Tackling the root causes behind Ethiopia’s struggles to build a national consensus is crucial to enable the country to embark on the path to reconciliation, unity, and sustainable development.
It is essential to first examine the country’s historical context to understand the challenges Ethiopia faces in building national consensus. Its transition to a federal state under the 1991 constitution plays a crucial role in shaping modern political realities. The shift from a unitary state to ethnic federalism, which was meant to address the demands of various ethnic groups for greater autonomy, created a system where ethnicity became the primary axis of political organization. This policy, while initially successful in granting some degree of self-rule, has also exacerbated ethnic tensions. The decentralization of power under ethnic federalism has allowed ethnic groups to exercise autonomy in many spheres of life. However, it has also entrenched identity-based politics. As a result, the notion of an overarching Ethiopian national identity has weakened, with allegiance to ethnic groups increasingly taking precedence over national unity.
A national consensus is not merely a political issue; it is also a matter of shared identity and citizenship. Ethiopia’s varied ethnic groups, each with their own languages, cultures, and histories, face the dilemma of reconciling their individual identities with the idea of a unified Ethiopian identity. For many Ethiopians, being part of a specific ethnic group is central to their sense of belonging. Efforts to forge a national consensus needs to take into account this deeply rooted attachment to ethnic identity. If Ethiopia is to truly build a national consensus, it is imperative to promote an inclusive national identity that respects and celebrates the country’s ethnic diversity whilst fostering a sense of shared citizenship. This is no easy task, particularly when ethnic-based political parties continue to dominate the political landscape. As such it is vital to create a national narrative that transcends ethnic lines and unites all Ethiopians around common goals.
Another hurdle standing in the way of forging national consensus in Ethiopia is the political fragmentation that its current federal system has given rise to. While the system was designed to give ethnic groups more control over their affairs, it has led to regional political elites vying for power, often at the expense of national unity. The fragmentation has been particularly pronounced in the wake of the 2018 reforms ushered in by the administration of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), which sought to address longstanding grievances and create a more inclusive political environment. While these reforms were initially hailed as a breakthrough, they also unleashed a wave of intercommoned violence, with several regions experiencing conflict over issues such as land, resources, and political representation. Underpinned by competing political interests, the ongoing tensions have made the task of navigating the complexities of ethnic federalism while maintaining national cohesion an uphill battle.
Averting the prospect of unending political instability in Ethiopia is dependent on all stakeholders—the government, political parties, religious institutions, civil society organizations, and the media, among others—taking bold steps that help build national consensus. Its success though is primarily determined by the extent to which the government acknowledge it is part of the problem and demonstrates the will to contributes its fair share. Forging national consensus is certainly fraught with challenges, yet it is not insurmountable. Addressing the historical roots of division through dialogue and reconciliation, promoting inclusive political practices, embracing a shared national identity, empowering civil society, and cultivating visionary leadership can go a long way towards charting a course toward unity. In a nation as richly diverse and historical as Ethiopia, the pursuit of harmony is not only desirable, but also absolutely vital for a stable, inclusive, and prosperous future. Only through collective efforts and a shared vision may Ethiopia move beyond its divisions and create a united, prosperous nation for all its people.
