Inter-ethnic Conflict in Ethiopia

Inter ethnic conflict is a serious problem in multi ethnic countries like Ethiopia. It adversely affected socioeconomic and political development. In this respect Ethiopia experienced several inter ethnic conflicts in the regional states. The main objective of this thesis, was to point out the root and aggravating causes of conflicts as well as its dynamics. For the purpose of this thesis the research methodology was a qualitative one. The data was gathered through semistructured interview, nonparticipatory observation and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The secondary source was also used from books, documents, constitutions, and websites. These different sources were used for triangulation of data during analysis. Based on the data gathered through different primary and secondary sources, the root cause is competition over a natural resource that was caused by the land alienation of Karayu pastoralists for state irrigation development schemes during the imperial and Derg regimes.