And following the introduction of this ethnic federalism, keeping an even keel in Ethiopia’s inter-communal relations is becoming increasingly difficult. So far, all of these demands for statehood are coming from the Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s Region (SNNPR). Nigeria’s 12 states back in 1963 have expanded to 36 just within a period of three decades. The drawing of boundaries along ethnic lines remains to be the most contested political topic in Ethiopia’s federalism project. That said, wishes for Ethiopian identity and ethno-nationalist identity can co-exist without being mutually exclusive only where tolerance for both views reigns.

Source: Ethiopian News November 28, 2018 09:11 UTC