Federalism as a tool for accomodation of ethinc diversity in Hawassa city

Academic Paper , 2016 , 14 Pages

Sociology - Individual, Groups, Society

The existing ethnic federal arrangement of the Federal democratic republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) is devised with the aim to accommodate the interests of distinct ethnic groups in Ethiopia. This paper attempted to conceptualize federalism as a tool for ethnic diversity accommodation through reviewing the existing literature on federalism, FDRE and south regional state constitution, city proclamations, and primary data from interview made and with researchers’ interpretive arguments.

The finding reveals that federalism at city government status contributes to accommodate rights, interests, needs and claims of competing ethnic groups, especially of ethnic minorities better at kebele institutional structures than at city institutional structures. At city institutional structures the indigenous groups are better protected rather than the non indigenous groups. Hence, the success of this process highly depends on the mechanisms adopted for sharing powers and responsibilities; the nature, subject and degree of decentralized power; and the willingness of authorities to allow the groups to exercise those powers, with other factors. Finally, This Paper tries to recommend complementary legal instrument for farther enhancement of ethnic diversity accommodation at city government status.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• General overview of the FDRE constitution in accommodating Ethnic diversity
• Regional constitution of SNNP in accommodating ethnic diversity.
• General background of Hawassa city: A Brief analysis
• Accommodation of Ethnic diversity in Hawassa city..
  • The protection of individual right
  • The right to self determination
    • The right to language and culture
    • Political participation and Power sharing
      • In the City and kebele council
      • In the City executive and kebele administration..
      • In the City court.
    • The right to autonomy....
• Conclusion and recommendation
• References

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper examines federalism as a tool for ethnic diversity accommodation in Ethiopia, specifically focusing on the case of Hawassa city. By reviewing relevant literature, analyzing the constitutions of the FDRE and the SNNP, and conducting primary data collection through interviews, the study aims to understand the practical implementation of federalism at the city government level. It delves into the mechanisms for accommodating rights, interests, and claims of diverse ethnic groups, with a particular focus on the experiences of ethnic minorities.

• Federalism as a tool for accommodating ethnic diversity.
• The role of the FDRE and SNNP constitutions in promoting ethnic rights.
• The implementation of federalism at the city government level in Hawassa.
• The protection of individual and group rights of ethnic minorities.
• The challenges and opportunities for ethnic diversity accommodation in Hawassa.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: This chapter sets the stage for the paper, discussing the growing relevance of federalism in ethnically diverse countries and outlining the study's objectives. The paper focuses on conceptualizing federalism as a tool for accommodating diverse ethnic groups and their rights, needs, and claims, particularly within the context of city governments.
• General overview of the FDRE constitution in accommodating Ethnic diversity: This chapter explores the FDRE constitution's commitment to accommodating Ethiopia's multi-faceted diversity through the recognition and implementation of federalism. The chapter highlights key provisions of the constitution that promote ethnic self-determination, including the right to autonomy, language preservation, and cultural identity.
• Regional constitution of SNNP in accommodating ethnic diversity: This chapter examines the regional constitution of the SNNP, showcasing its dedication to ensuring both individual and group rights for all ethnic groups within the region. The chapter highlights key provisions that promote self-determination, language diversity, and cultural development, emphasizing the regional government's commitment to accommodating ethnic diversity.
• General background of Hawassa city: A Brief analysis: This chapter provides a brief overview of Hawassa city, setting the context for the subsequent analysis of ethnic diversity accommodation within its institutional structures. It likely discusses the city's demographic composition, history, and socio-economic characteristics, laying the foundation for understanding the dynamics of ethnic relations in Hawassa.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The primary keywords and focus topics of this paper include: federalism, ethnic diversity, minority claims, ethnic accommodation, indigenous groups, non-indigenous groups, veto power, FDRE (Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia), SNNPRS (the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Regional State), and city government status.

• College: Ethiopian Civil Service University (federalism and legal studies)
• Course: Federalism and Human Rights
• Author: Wondwossen Mengistu (Author)
• Publication Year: 2016
• Pages: 14
• Catalog Number: V378988
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668583023
• ISBN (Book): 9783668583030
• Language: English
• Tags: federalism, hawassa, ethnic diversity, ethnic accommodation, FDRE, indigenous ethinic groups, Non-indigenous ethnic groups, SNNPRS