Ethnic Federalism and Conflict Dynamics in Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, Ethiopia

This study aims to analyze the Ethiopian ethnic-based federalism and the conflict trends in the Metekel zone of Benishangul Gumuz Regional State. To achieve this objective, the study employed a qualitative research approach, gathering data from both primary and secondary sources. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were utilized in selecting key informants and focus group participants. Data from secondary and primary sources are analyzed thematically. The findings reveal that the politicization of ethnicity and the nature of Ethiopia’s federal system are the main factors that exacerbated the Metekel conflict. Along with these, economic competition, inadequate political representation of non-indigenous people and the political changes of 2018 have intensified the conflict. Furthermore, government actions have been perceived as insufficient and ineffective. Overall, the data indicates that ethnic elites have successfully manipulated identity for socio-economic and political purposes, which led to the emergence of interethnic conflict in the study area.