Autonomy and Minority Disempowerment in Ethiopia’s Federal System

Abstract This paper explores Ethiopia’s federal system and the systematic disempowerment of non-territorial minorities. The 1995 constitution granted autonomy for minorities based on territorial boundaries empowering self-rule and regional control. However, smaller ethnic groups living outside their ethnic regions were left without political and socio-economic rights. An exception to this is the Amhara Regional State’s Oromo Special Zone. Non-territorial minorities in Oromia, Afar, Gambella, Tigray, Somali, Southern Nations, and Benishangul-Gumuz are left without political, resources and social empowerment. This contradicts the provisions outlined in undrip , ilo 169, the osce , Lund Recommendations, udhr , and iccpr . The study examines paradoxes that territorial autonomy benefits dominant ethnic groups while disempowering non-territorial minorities. This undermines inclusion, equality, democratic participation and equality. The study argues that all regional states in Ethiopia should learn from the Amhara region to protect the non-territorial rights of minorities, ensuring equal access to political power, resource ownership, and cultural recognition.