In this discussion, Asfa-Wossen Asserate argues for the abolition of ethnic federalism in Ethiopia and suggests a democratic federalism, whatever that means. This is a nephew of the last Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie, who run Ethiopia as a unitary state.
When Ethiopia was a unitary state, not only the ruling class but also the Amhara people had a privilege. The rest of Ethiopians, whose identities, cultures, and languages did not have constitutional and political recognition had to learn Amharic language and embrace Amhara culture. As if this was not enough, the rest of Ethiopian people including the Oromo, the Wolita, the Sidamo, and the Ari were given nick names aimed at demeaning them, besides enduring multi-faced injustices. Ethnic federalism, although it is being radicalised, was aimed at recognising the diversity of Ethiopian society and ensuring fair and equable representation of various ethnicities in government. It was aimed at saving and preserving Ethiopia from potential disintegration if the historical injustices were not addressed and nations and nationalities were left to handle their grievances alone. The system has certainly been exploited to fuel division and to consolidate power in the hands of a few.
Nevertheless, the anti-ethnic federalism elites and activists, to my surprise, wish to jump from where we are to defending the unitary system of Imperial Ethiopia and the Dergue Regime. At this point, even a territorial federalism is obviously unworkable within the current Ethiopian political context. It basically means that we redraw state boundaries regardless of ethnic/language factors. Who will accept state administrations that potentially deprive various ethnicity of their right to develop their culture and language? What does democratic federalism mean anyway? It is fugasy! Made up by this delusional prick. The ideas advanced both by the unitarists and those calling for territorial federalism are unrealistic and, in some cases, based on delusional thinking.
The solution lies in tweaking ethnic federalism to prevent its radicalization through a series of constitutional and legislative reforms including making the right to secession nearly impossible to prevent the illusion that states can build their special forces, attack the federal army, and declare their independence. The false sense of being able to achieve independence leads to needless war and destruction.
If the unitarists want to come out of the woodwork and try to fool the Ethiopian people, they will only make the situation worse. We have already seen what Abiy Ahmed’s attempt has led to: a war! We are also seeing people who have nostalgia of the Imperial Ethiopia, even close relatives of Haile Selassie reemerging, calling for the return to the past. We are seeing the proliferation of the imperial flag. Rest assured; this will end badly for Ethiopia. I hope activists, especially the Amhara elites calm themselves down and regain their senses.
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