Ethnic Federalism and Minority in Ethiopia

Abstract

Though the normative and empirical theory of designing a Territorial Autonomy to give a response to the demand of ethno-cultural groups is dominant, equivocally, it is problematic in addressing the needs of dispersed minorities. To this end, the Nonterritorial Autonomy political theory has acquired a significant level of attention in the last two decades as a promising response for intra-unit minorities, and the model can coexist with Territorial Autonomy. By examining the current Territorial Autonomy in the form of Ethnic federalism in Ethiopia, this article highlighted the conventional understanding of autonomy and territoriality for not being suitable for dispersed minorities inhabited in the regional states. Thus, alternative arrangements that can complement Territorial autonomy must be examined. The article defends the Nonterritorial Autonomy model as a novel solution to the complications faced by dispersed minorities in Ethiopia; concomitantly, it is complementary to Territorial Autonomy.