Challenges of governing ethnic diversity in Ethiopia: the Amhara Regional State as a case study

Ethiopia has faced persistent governance intricacies, escalating ethnic violence and internal displacement since the recognition of ethnic diversity in 1991. This study examines the challenges of governing ethnic diversity in Ethiopia’s Amhara Regional State, particularly in Ataye and the adjacent areas. Ongoing ethnic conflicts triggered researchers to conduct this study. Supplemented by secondary sources, researchers collected semi-structured interview data by employing a qualitative case study design using purposeful and snowball sampling. Findings reveal critical challenges, including the politicization of ethnicity, territorial disputes, violations of the FDRE Constitution’s supremacy, and the absence of the rule of law, resulting in significant humanitarian consequences. To address these challenges, the study recommends that Ethiopia should initiate genuine political dialogue and amend constitutional provisions to balance accommodation and cohesion, promote a constructivist political culture, implement cooperative federalism, and strengthen shared institutions. These measures are necessary to guarantee sustainable diversity governance and stability in Ethiopia.