Finding consensus on constitutional reform and the form of the Ethiopian state is extremely difficult—and made even more tricky by the prevailing political chaos. READ➡️ https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2024/09/13/ethiopias-endless-constitutional-chasm-and-authoritarian-abyss/ on why a lack of democracy and a divisive founding document stand in the way of peace.

In Ethiopia, on the one hand, there’s a wide and rancorous division over several critical aspects of the founding document, relating to ethnolinguistic state formation, secession rights, and balancing ethnic group rights with national interests, among others. 
On the other, many politicians and experts, see the prevailing unconstitutional governing practices as the primary source of Ethiopia’s political woes, hence in need of addressing prior to initiating constitutional amendments. READ MORE ➡️
https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2024/09/13/ethiopias-endless-constitutional-chasm-and-authoritarian-abyss/

Ethiopia faces a complex and divisive political landscape, with ongoing armed conflict and a lack of consensus on how to reform the country’s constitution. Some argue that Ethiopia's problems stem from a lack of democracy and a violation of human rights, leading to widespread unrest. Others contend that the ethnically-based federal system enshrined in the constitution itself is the source of the country's turmoil, creating a divide between ethnic groups and fostering secessionist sentiments. While the government has proposed constitutional amendments, the process is fraught with challenges, as political actors remain deeply divided and there is a lack of trust between the government and armed opposition groups. READ MORE of this insightful analysis ➡️ https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2024/09/13/ethiopias-endless-constitutional-chasm-and-authoritarian-abyss/

What are some practical and consensual approaches to constitutional reform in Ethiopia?
We brought together a group of academics to discuss this topic, in a webinar conducted in Amharic.
Watch this insightful discussion➡️https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZWixVknzho about the issues Ethiopia faces around its founding document, and the way forward.

Almost one year after peace talks between the federal government and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) made progress but ultimately failed, there is still no end in sight to the devastating conflict in Oromia. READ➡️https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2024/10/17/peace-and-justice-remain-elusive-in-oromia/ on why with longstanding Oromo political demands unmet, negotiations remain stalled.

READ MORE ➡️https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2024/10/17/peace-and-justice-remain-elusive-in-oromia/

PART I:
The ongoing conflict in Ethiopia's Oromia region, stems from longstanding demands for greater political representation and recognition of Oromo rights.
The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), an armed group seeking greater autonomy for Oromia, has been engaged in a violent struggle with the Ethiopian government since 2018. Despite peace talks, negotiations have faltered over power-sharing arrangements, and the conflict continues to cause widespread suffering and displacement, among other devastating humanitarian consequences of the conflict, including hindered access to basic services and aid delivery.

READ MORE ➡️ https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2024/10/17/peace-and-justice-remain-elusive-in-oromia/

PART II:
Many Oromos have long felt marginalized and excluded from mainstream politics, leading to similar demands from opposition parties. The OLA, in its manifesto, says it aims to establish a government through elections and to ensure the full recognition of the Oromo language, culture, and history. The group also emphasizes the need to end the exploitation of Oromia’s natural and human resources, which it says has continued unabated since Ethiopia’s imperial days. So, what's the way forward in Oromia?

In Ethiopia's Oromia region, what are the historical, political, and socio-economic factors contributing to the ongoing conflict? And what are the impacts on Oromia's population, including humanitarian consequences? READ MORE➡️ https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2024/10/17/peace-and-justice-remain-elusive-in-oromia/

While the government touts success in managing macroeconomic reforms and curbing inflation, it’s too soon for a victory lap—economic reality tells a more murky story. READ➡️ https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2024/11/05/now-the-birr-floats-will-ethiopia-sink-or-swim/

Ending the administrative turmoil in southern Ethiopia' - have a listen to this insightful discussion here https://youtu.be/xU6kpCCsr2g?si=8el6sqVKp6MIMk1e The webinar is conducted in Amharic.

What might the second coming of President Donald Trump mean for Tigray, Ethiopia, and Africa? READ - https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2024/12/17/will-the-new-trump-administration-act-on-tigray/ on why a new US diplomatic effort is needed to secure the peace in the still troubled region.

For decades, Eritreans have endured dictatorial rule, known for its repression, human rights violations, and denial of freedoms. READ➡️https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2025/02/26/collective-action-for-a-democratic-eritrea/ on why the Blue Revolution shows the way forward.

In Ethiopia, legitimacy is often equated with strength—any sign of vulnerability is immediately exploited, with political adversaries using character assassination to erode a leader’s credibility. Once a leader is labeled as weak, they’re doomed. READ➡️ https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2025/03/03/we-need-to-develop-a-new-political-culture/ on why we need to develop a new political culture.

The Horn of Africa, long beset by instability, stands on the verge of another conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea with the main battleground set to be Tigray region, which has suffered immensely in multiple previous wars. READ➡️  https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2025/03/12/peace-through-diplomacy-desperately-needed-in-the-horn/ on why global powers must act immediately to prevent a devastating conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea centered on Tigray.

The sweeping changes at USAID mark a significant departure from 70 years of U.S. leadership as a leading humanitarian benefactor, abandoning postwar ideals of global solidarity for transactional diplomacy. The decision severs a lifeline for millions and risks further destabilizing fragile regions like the Horn of Africa. READ ➡️ https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2025/03/20/the-u-s-retreat-from-global-leadership/ on why slashing USAID isn’t austerity—it’s an act of self-harm.

A struggle is underway to control Tigray’s military forces. READ➡️ https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2025/03/21/abiy-and-isaias-fight-over-tigray/ on why while neither Ethiopia nor Eritrea publicly declared outright victory in Tigray, the concept of victory held different meanings for each country.

Politics of denial: Abiy’s zero torture claim and ethiopia’s ugly reality. READ➡️ https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2025/03/24/politics-of-denial-abiys-zero-torture-claim-and-ethiopias-ugly-reality/ on why the prime minister cannot obscure widespread evidence of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and systemic human rights abuses that have occurred under his watch.

Why TPLF’s reckless gamble may actually pay off. READ➡️ https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2025/04/10/the-battle-for-tigray/ on how after months of political setbacks, internal fractures, and the loss of its grip on Tigray’s administration, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) seems to have staged a remarkable comeback.

Ethiopia must ween itself off aid. It has built dependency, not capacity. READ➡️https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2025/04/15/ethiopia-must-ween-itself-off-aid/ on why the answer lies not only in Ethiopia’s internal challenges but also in the way assistance, particularly from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has been delivered.

The central government’s inability to exert effective control in key regions—especially Amhara and Oromia—has resulted in an escalating breakdown of order. Frequent reports of anarchy, extrajudicial violence, and administrative paralysis indicate a descent into state failure. READ➡️ https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2025/05/16/ethiopia-on-the-brink/ on how evolving international law exposes a failing state.