Inter-Ethnic Conflicts in Benishangul Gumuz Regional State: Ethiopia

Abstract

This study has explored inter-ethnic conflicts giving a particular emphasis to Benishangul Gumuz Regional State. Hence, Ethiopia is a multi-ethnic state endowed with diversified culture, language, faith, religion and long history of state hood. Therefore, successive regimes in its history have implemented different strategies in dealing to diversities. Significantly, as Ethiopia is divers and heterogenous in language, culture and other there are different conflicts and inter-ethnic conflicts occurred, in different area of the country in which Benishangul Gumuz Regional State is the par of the phenomenon of the inter-ethnic that this study is mainly focused to study it. Thus, the central objective of the study is to analyze the inter ethnic conflicts in Benishangul Gumuz Regional State. Methodologically, the researcher employed qualitative research approach with explanatory strategy. In terms of data collection tool, the researcher has employed key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Accordingly, by thorough analyses of the dynamics and trends of inter-ethnic conflicts in the study region, this study revealed that, there are multi-faceted fundamental and immideate ( the issues of territorial claim made by the Amhara people and the fear of marginalization by the Gumuze on the onehand, Whereas, on the side of Amhara, the causes are the feeling of negligence from the regional government Benishangul and the question of constitutional right of self-determination, which has exacerbated the question of historical territorial claim on the otherhand) causes of the conflict. Thus, the inter-ethnic conflict in Benishangul Gumuz Regional State are the combination of factors which mostly fear of the coming and growing tendency of re marginalization on the side of Gumuze and Berta indeginous community. Therefore, the researcher recommend that to manage the inter-ethnic conflicts and achieve sustainable peace and development in the study region, it needs to pay much attention to solve the fundamental causes, in addition to immediate causes. The government shall emphasize on inclusive, broad based and participatory conflict management mechanisms than using military might alone. Also, the government as well as the concerned bodies should be create a platform for all groups of people to express their feeling about the past, the present, and the future and reach up on some consensus how to live peacefully and in harmony in the region. Finally,the national reconciliation, the issues of justice and post conflict reconstruction should be getting more attentions.