Wherein Lies tb e Equilibrium in Poli t ical Empowerment? Regional Autonomy for the " Indigenous Na tionalities" versus Representation Rights of "Non-Indigenous Communities" in Benishangul-Gumuz

Abstract

After the implementation of the post-1991 EPRDF governments program nfethnic
regionalism, local ethnic rivalries have intensified among indigenous nationalities
and non-indigenous communities of Benishangul-Gumuz. The quest
for regional autonomy of the indigenous nationalities, especially (0 profess (heir
need of self rule, has not resonated very well with the political representation
rights oflhe non-indigenous communities. In this regard, the paper argues that
the problem is mainly auributable to the fact (hat the Constitutional guarantees
provided under the FDRE Constitution have nol been seriously and positively
implemented to bring about a balanced political empowermenl. Making the malter
even worse, the Regional Slate S Constitution by which the indigenous nationalities
are considered to be the 'owners ' of the Regional State coupled with an
exclusionary political practice, relegating others 10 a second-class citizenship,
has undermined the notion of "unily in diversity" in Ihe region. Thus, striking a
delicate balance between the ambitions of the indigenous nalionalities regional
autonomy, on the one hand, and extending adequate share of the regions political
power to the non-indigenous communities, on the other, is a prerequisite for
a balanced political empowerment.