THE QUEST FOR SELF RULE AND SELF DETERMINATION IN THE ETHIOPIA ETHNIC FEDERALISM: THE CASE OF GURAGE STATEHOOD CLAIMS IN CENTRAL ETHIOPIA.

Abstract

The purpose or objective of this study was to explore the challenges of Gurage community self-rule quest in SSNPR Ethiopia and to investigate the applicability of self-determination scope that is provided under the FDRE Constitution. To achieve the main objective, this study employed a qualitative research method and an exploratory case study design, relying on primary sources of data. In selecting key informants and focus group discussion partici pants, a purposive sampling strategy was employed. The data obtained from both primary and secondary sources were analyzed using thematic analysis. The research findings indicate ed that the unconstitutional response of the FDRE government to the people of Gurage's de mand for selfrule and determination is a denial of constitutional rights. The major summary and conclusion that was drawn from the findings of the study indicated that there is a great gap between constitutional promises of the right to self-rule and determination for nations, nationalities, and people’s and also the actual practice on the ground. Finally, recommendations are forwarded based on the research findings, and future research directions are indicate