Ethnic identity politics ceases to be a source of conflict in Africa but still mars Ethiopia, says Dawit Woldgiorgis

ESAT News (April 14, 2016)

Ethnic identity politics and the struggle for self-determination and secession have long ceased to be a source of conflict in the African continent but the issue still continue to be a cause of conflict in Ethiopia, an expert on African security and conflict told ESAT on Thursday.

Executive director at the Africa Institute for Strategic and Security Studies, Major Dawit Woldegiorgis said Ethiopia is the only country in Africa, perhaps in the world, where ethnic politics and demand by nationalities for secession were still a prevailing political reality.

He underscored that the main problem in the rest of Africa were trans-border crimes and terrorism, while Ethiopia was still regurgitating issues related to nationalities and ethnic identities.

He cited that Congo, where 450 languages are spoken, has long resolved ethnic tensions and people are now living in peaceful coexistence.

Speaking about the current drought and the looming famine in Ethiopia, Major Dawit, who was the Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner during the 1984 famine and who also headed the famine relief program, recalled the futile attempt by the previous government to hide the disaster. He warned that the cover up and mishandling of the famine by the present government would have disastrous consequences.

He advised that it was imperative to acknowledge the facts on the ground and bring together professionals to better handle the disaster; and establish an institution that would work on a lasting solution to the impact of future calamities.