Ethnic Tensions and National (In)Stability in Ethiopia: Analyzing Risks of Ethnic Cleansing

Abstract

This study analyses the ethnic cleansing of the Amhara people, which began during the late TPLF-led EPRDF regime and has continued under Abiy Ahmed’s administration. Despite the severity of these attacks, the Amhara’s plight has been largely ignored. Utilizing primary data from a survey of 183 Ethiopians and secondary data from various sources, the research takes a mixed-methods approach to explore factors contributing to these ethnic-based identity attacks. Findings indicate rising concerns about security, historical grievances, and regional inequalities, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and inclusive policies to restore national unity and social cohesion. The findings also signify a decline in national unity, with ethnic identity becoming increasingly pronounced amid growing distrust of the central government.

Keywords

• Amhara
• ethnic cleansing
• genocide
• ethnic conflict
• political instability
• Ethiopia