The Rastafarian community in Ethiopia have been promised official identity by the government after years of petition to be granted citizenship status. The foreign ministry said Rastafarians in the country will be given identity cards to be able to reside and enjoy some benefits like citizens. The government stated clearly that the identity cards will also be offered to foreigners who have contributed to the development of the country including Ethiopian Jews. Emperor Haile Selassie is seen as a god by many Rastafarians. Many have given up their Carribean identity and could not get Ethiopian identity, thereby leaving them stateless.

Source: Ethiopian News July 28, 2017 13:52 UTC