A History of Ethnic Interactions between the Surma and the Neighboring Peoples, Southern Ethiopia: ca. 1898- 1991

Abstract

The thesis focuses on the reconstruction of a history of ethnic interactions between the Surma and the neighboring peoples in the period between 1898 and 1991.It probes into complex process of inter-ethnic relations surpassing the commonly asserted ethnicity assumptions and arguing that treating the issue in such a pattern is just overlooking the impacts of center periphery relations in determining the nature of Surma people’s interactions with the neighboring peoples. It conceptualizes that the patterns of ethnic interactions in this remote southwest corner of Ethiopia has showed remarkable changes during the three successive regimes which took power in the country in the period between 1898 and 1991. Nevertheless, it is unfair to treat the aspects of Surma’s relation with the neighboring peoples only in a dimension of cooperation and animosity triggered by political factor, the pattern of center periphery relation. There was also a pattern of cordial inter-ethnic relations nurtured by socio-cultural factors. Moreover, the basic theme which is highly illuminating regarding ethnic interaction between the Surma and the neighboring peoples is the essence of change and continuities. While the traditional pattern of more or less uneasy affiliation cannot be glorified, there has been an escalation of inter-ethnic conflict between the Surma and their neighbors since 1980. Since the last three decades, the Surma have been in conflict with almost all the neighboring peoples. The issue has remained unanswered until now. Thus, this thesis assesses the exacerbation of inter-ethnic conflict in the area within a context of economic, environmental, regional political dynamics, cultural and institutional dimensions since 1980 as a way forward to peace building efforts in the future.