Critique of Messay Kebede’s “Elites’ Power Grab Contra People’s Empowerment”
By Bedilu Mulualem
Professor Messay Kebede’s article offers a compelling critique of Ethiopia’s political dysfunction, focusing on elite manipulation and the selective implementation of the 1995 constitution. While Messay correctly identifies elite-driven politics as a significant factor in Ethiopia’s instability, his analysis underestimates the deeper systemic flaws embedded in the constitution. By institutionalizing ethnic federalism, the 1995 constitution has entrenched division, inequality, and systemic dysfunction. This critique highlights the destructive role of ethnic federalism and underscores the urgent need for structural reforms to establish a unified, democratic Ethiopia.
Ethnic Federalism as the Root Cause of Division and Conflict
Messay’s argument that Ethiopia’s stagnation stems from selective implementation of the constitution overlooks the inherent flaws in ethnic federalism itself. This system, by design, institutionalizes ethnic enclaves and grants the right to secession (Article 39), fostering a fragmented society where ethnic loyalty supersedes Ethiopian identity. Ethnic federalism entrenches polarization, incentivizes harmful competition among ethnic groups, and destabilizes national unity.
The constitution’s preamble, which emphasizes “Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples”—terms that hold little practical meaning for Ethiopians—reinforces group rights at the expense of individual rights. This structural inequality has fueled conflicts such as the Tigray war, the ongoing genocide against Amharas in Oromia, and the Fano rebellion. These crises are not mere implementation failures but direct consequences of a system that prioritizes ethnic fragmentation over national cohesion.
Elite Manipulation: A Symptom of a Flawed System
Messay argues that elite manipulation is the primary driver of Ethiopia’s unrest. However, this analysis ignores how ethnic federalism enables such exploitation. The constitution’s ethnic divisions provide fertile ground for elites to weaponize grievances, indoctrinate citizens, deepen divisions, and entrench power.
Courts, law enforcement, and other government institutions are often controlled by ethnic loyalists, making it impossible to protect individual rights. The plight of Amharas in Oromia and Benishangul, where ethnic cleansing, forced displacement, and exclusion are rampant, exemplifies how ethnic federalism legitimizes human rights abuses. The problem goes beyond leadership—it is systemic and rooted in the constitution. Reforming this framework is essential to establishing stable and equitable governance.
Ethnic Federalism Undermines Democracy and Meritocracy
Ethnic federalism fundamentally contradicts democratic principles and scientific approaches. By prioritizing ethnic group rights over universal individual rights, it erodes the equality and justice necessary for democracy. Citizenship is subordinated to ethnic identity, creating a society where power and resources are contested along ethnic lines rather than shared equitably. Ethnically divided country cannot achieve equitable development. This institutionalized division makes true democratization impossible and perpetuate inequality.
Moreover, ethnic federalism fosters nepotism, corruption, and mediocrity by prioritizing ethnic loyalty over competence. Leaders and officials, including university presidents, are frequently appointed based on ethnic affiliation rather than qualifications. Institutions staffed by unqualified ethnic loyalists cannot function effectively, making it impossible for Ethiopia to implement sound and effective development policies. Even fundamental processes, such as the census, become contentious and sources of conflict. This systemic dysfunction cripples institutions, stifles progress, and perpetuates stagnation and poverty while allowing mediocrity and corruption to thrive at the expense of innovation and excellence.
The Flaw in Arguing for the Acceptance of Ethnic Federalism
Messay’s suggestion that ethnic federalism is too entrenched to change is both defeatist and inconsistent with historical precedents. He argues that decentralization and ethnic autonomy are ingrained realities in Ethiopia, making reform unfeasible. However, history shows that divisive systems can be dismantled. South Africa ended apartheid, and the United States overcame segregation to establish inclusive governance structures. Ethiopia can similarly transition away from this vicious ethnic federalism by fostering equal citizenship and national dialogue.
The argument that decentralization must take the form of ethnic federalism is flawed. Ethiopians deserve better than ethnic apartheid. Nations like Switzerland and India successfully manage diversity through federal systems based on geography and functionality rather than ethnicity. Ethiopia, too, can adopt a governance model that balances regional autonomy with national unity. Failure to reform ethnic federalism risks the nation’s disintegration and the perpetuation of endless conflict.
Moving Forward: Learning from History
While Messay acknowledges Ethiopia’s historical grievances, these must not be weaponized to perpetuate division. Ethiopia’s nation-building, like that of many countries, involved the use of force. However, blaming only Amharas for the country’s problems is both historically unjust and counterproductive. Such narratives overlook other historical events, including the devastation caused during Ahmad Gragn’s wars and the Oromo expansions of the 16th century, and the recent Tigray war.
Historical grievances should serve as lessons for reconciliation and progress rather than sources of perpetual blame. Ordinary Ethiopians desire peace and development, not ethnic strife. Dwelling on past conflicts undermines efforts to build a unified and equitable future. Instead, Ethiopia’s history should inspire a shared vision rooted in unity, equality, and collective growth.
Conclusion
Professor Messay Kebede’s critique of elite-driven governance is insightful but insufficient in addressing Ethiopia’s deeper structural problems. The 1995 constitution’s ethnic federalism is the root cause of the nation’s civil wars, systemic dysfunction, and stagnation. By institutionalizing division, undermining democracy, and fostering corruption and mediocrity, ethnic federalism has created a fractured and unstable society.
Reforming this system is crucial for Ethiopia to break free from cycles of conflict and build a stable, democratic future. By dismantling ethnic federalism, prioritizing equal citizenship, and fostering national unity, Ethiopia can transcend its divisions and achieve lasting peace and progress. This critique aligns with Messay’s broader call for empowering the Ethiopian people but emphasizes that true empowerment cannot occur without addressing the foundational flaws in the current constitutional framework. The system must be reformed—Ethiopia is bleeding profusely. If the current government continues to obstruct peaceful reform, Ethiopians must pursue all available means to achieve this transition. Failure to reform the ethnic federalism risks the nation’s disintegration and the perpetuation of endless conflict.
The writer Can be reached at bedilumulualem@gmail.com