In Ethiopia, recent conflicts have brought to light the issues facing this country of over 100 million people, centered around identity, resources and power.

We believe there is value in providing a platform for Ethiopians from all communities and of all political persuasions to be heard. 
 
The ARIF PROJECT, a journalistic-academic collaboration, aims to boost the exchange of ideas, provide critical analysis and understand the roots of instability within the Ethiopian federation.

ALL ARTICLES ➡️ https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/category/analytical-reporting-to-improve-the-federation/

Ethiopia’s government is currently touting an allegedly unprecedented National Dialogue, which it describes as a panacea for the country’s deep-seated political problems.

National dialogues—when inclusive, credible, and transparent—can be an effective tool for conflict management, and even political transformation, in post-conflict societies. However, various governments such as Egypt, Sudan, and Uganda’s have manipulated them, using instead as a facade to absorb international pressure and consolidate domestic power.
READ➡️ www.ethiopia-insight.com/how-not-to-conduct-a-national-dialogue/

The upheaval of 2018 brought an opportunity for peace, democracy, and prosperity to thrive in Ethiopia. However, they have been frustrated by a combination of the old political culture and new emerging challenges. READ➡️ www.ethiopia-insight.com/2024/07/09/ethiopias-next-steps-along-a-troubled-road-to-democracy/ on why pluralism remains officially stifled.

'THE WAY OUT OF OROMIA'S POLITICAL CRISIS WITH A FOCUS ON THE FEDERAL SYSTEM.'
(A webinar conducted in Afaan Oromo language)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ulxatt39iA

This webinar is part of Ethiopia Insight's 'Analytical Reporting to Improve the Federation' (ARIF) project launched in 2022, which has included deep-dive pieces on such critical issues as fiscal federalism, constitutional reform, autonomy demands, and minority rights protection. This discussion between stakeholders, such as academics, researchers, and politicians, focused on 'The way out of Oromia’s political crisis with a focus on the federal system.' 


JOIN US ON SOCIALS!
Instagram –   / ethiopia_insight   
Twitter -   / ethiopiainsight   
TikTok -   / ethiopiainsight   
Facebook –   / ethiopiainsight10   
LinkedIn –   / ethiopia-insight   

We're proud to be a reader-funded website. Support independent journalism today! –   / ethiopiainsight  

The Oromo people have their own unique understanding of our world. Like all known ancient cultures, the Oromo people have their own myths relating to creation. READ➡️ https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2024/07/30/the-cosmic-myth-of-the-oromo/

Watch this insightful discussion focused on "Minority rights protections in Ethiopia - the case of Amharas"
➡️ https://youtu.be/ASSuif1ieHA?si=VzE-9zdF1gzLZ8AU

This webinar is part of Ethiopia Insight's 'Analytical Reporting to Improve the Federation' (ARIF) project launched in 2022, which has included deep-dive pieces on such critical issues as fiscal federalism, constitutional reform, autonomy demands, and minority rights protection.

By making closed deals, the government of Ethiopia and the IMF ignored the views of citizens who will be affected by their decisions. READ➡️ https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2024/08/08/the-addis-washington-consensus-and-its-democratic-deficit/ on the Addis-Washington Consensus and its democratic deficit.

Most parties are set up to make money for their leaders, not make a difference to society. READ - www.ethiopia-insight.com/ethiopias-oversight-vacuum-breeds-weak-opposition-parties/ on why Ethiopia’s oversight vacuum breeds weak opposition parties.

Both a lack of democracy and a divisive founding document stand resolutely in the way of peace. READ➡️ www.ethiopia-insight.com/ethiopias-endless-constitutional-chasm-and-authoritarian-abyss/ on why amid unrelenting turmoil, the Prosperity Party government is increasingly raising the idea of constitutional reform to mend divides and bring a lasting peace.

Petty differences should be set aside in the long-term interests of Tigray and its people. READ➡️ www.ethiopia-insight.com/tigrays-squabbling-leaders-should-honor-meles-legacy/ on why Tigray’s squabbling leaders should honor Meles’ legacy.

Finding consensus on constitutional reform and the form of the Ethiopian state is extremely difficult—and made even more tricky by the prevailing political chaos. READ➡️ https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2024/09/13/ethiopias-endless-constitutional-chasm-and-authoritarian-abyss/ on why a lack of democracy and a divisive founding document stand in the way of peace.

In Ethiopia, on the one hand, there’s a wide and rancorous division over several critical aspects of the founding document, relating to ethnolinguistic state formation, secession rights, and balancing ethnic group rights with national interests, among others. 
On the other, many politicians and experts, see the prevailing unconstitutional governing practices as the primary source of Ethiopia’s political woes, hence in need of addressing prior to initiating constitutional amendments. READ MORE ➡️
https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2024/09/13/ethiopias-endless-constitutional-chasm-and-authoritarian-abyss/

Ethiopia faces a complex and divisive political landscape, with ongoing armed conflict and a lack of consensus on how to reform the country’s constitution. Some argue that Ethiopia's problems stem from a lack of democracy and a violation of human rights, leading to widespread unrest. Others contend that the ethnically-based federal system enshrined in the constitution itself is the source of the country's turmoil, creating a divide between ethnic groups and fostering secessionist sentiments. While the government has proposed constitutional amendments, the process is fraught with challenges, as political actors remain deeply divided and there is a lack of trust between the government and armed opposition groups. READ MORE of this insightful analysis ➡️ https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2024/09/13/ethiopias-endless-constitutional-chasm-and-authoritarian-abyss/

What are some practical and consensual approaches to constitutional reform in Ethiopia?
We brought together a group of academics to discuss this topic, in a webinar conducted in Amharic.
Watch this insightful discussion➡️https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZWixVknzho about the issues Ethiopia faces around its founding document, and the way forward.

Almost one year after peace talks between the federal government and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) made progress but ultimately failed, there is still no end in sight to the devastating conflict in Oromia. READ➡️https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2024/10/17/peace-and-justice-remain-elusive-in-oromia/ on why with longstanding Oromo political demands unmet, negotiations remain stalled.

READ MORE ➡️https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2024/10/17/peace-and-justice-remain-elusive-in-oromia/

PART I:
The ongoing conflict in Ethiopia's Oromia region, stems from longstanding demands for greater political representation and recognition of Oromo rights.
The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), an armed group seeking greater autonomy for Oromia, has been engaged in a violent struggle with the Ethiopian government since 2018. Despite peace talks, negotiations have faltered over power-sharing arrangements, and the conflict continues to cause widespread suffering and displacement, among other devastating humanitarian consequences of the conflict, including hindered access to basic services and aid delivery.

READ MORE ➡️ https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2024/10/17/peace-and-justice-remain-elusive-in-oromia/

PART II:
Many Oromos have long felt marginalized and excluded from mainstream politics, leading to similar demands from opposition parties. The OLA, in its manifesto, says it aims to establish a government through elections and to ensure the full recognition of the Oromo language, culture, and history. The group also emphasizes the need to end the exploitation of Oromia’s natural and human resources, which it says has continued unabated since Ethiopia’s imperial days. So, what's the way forward in Oromia?

In Ethiopia's Oromia region, what are the historical, political, and socio-economic factors contributing to the ongoing conflict? And what are the impacts on Oromia's population, including humanitarian consequences? READ MORE➡️ https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2024/10/17/peace-and-justice-remain-elusive-in-oromia/

While the government touts success in managing macroeconomic reforms and curbing inflation, it’s too soon for a victory lap—economic reality tells a more murky story. READ➡️ https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2024/11/05/now-the-birr-floats-will-ethiopia-sink-or-swim/

Ending the administrative turmoil in southern Ethiopia' - have a listen to this insightful discussion here https://youtu.be/xU6kpCCsr2g?si=8el6sqVKp6MIMk1e The webinar is conducted in Amharic.