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Fano and the Future of Ethiopia’s Social Contract
The Fano struggle envisions a new social contract underpinned by unity, equality, justice, and the rule of law — moving away from the inherently divisive ethnic federalism. Accordingly, the Fano struggle is a paradigm shift aiming to establish a constitutional order inclusive of all citizens, resolving ethnic-based conflicts, and promoting a democratic society in Ethiopia.
November 14, 2024
6 minutes
Ethiopia, Governance, Political Philosophy, Politics, Research & Analysis
In Ethiopia, a vision for the country that citizens have long yearned for is beginning to emerge. A vision of a social contract and constitutional order imbued by unity, inclusivity, equality, justice, and the rule of law. A constitutional order in which every citizen is truly equal before the law, irrespective of background. And ultimately, a vision that finally moves Ethiopia away from the failed ideology of the past thirty years—tribalism and the politics of division.
The vision of this inclusive Ethiopia is being conceptualized and expressed by leaders of the Fano movement—a popular resistance movement in Ethiopia’s Amhara region—born out of the need for self-defense against the marginalization, persecution, and ethnic-based pogroms that target Amharas. More specifically, beginning in April 2023, Fano began coalescing into a force to defend the Amhara region and its people when the Abiy regime launched a war of aggression on Amhara under the pretext of “disarming regional forces.” In its struggle against the oppression and tyranny of the Abiy regime, foundational and time-tested ideas are propelling Fano—the ideas of self-defense, justice, the rule of law, and democratic governance imbue the Fano movement.
In addition to Fano’s just cause of self-defense against the unjust war of aggression launched by the Abiy regime, Fano’s struggle also recognizes that Ethiopia’s social contract is inherently divisive, unjust, and has crumbled. Consequently, there is an existential need for a “paradigm shift” that reconstitutes a new and inclusive social contract and constitutional order underpinned by freedom, justice, the rule of law, and equality for all Ethiopians.
The Need for a New Social Contract
In a new article by The New Humanitarian, Fano leaders expressed the ongoing “paradigm shift” to bring forth a new and inclusive social contract and constitutional order. In this regard, Eskinder Nega, Head of the Amhara Fano People’s Organization states, “Our aim is for a paradigm shift. This country needs a constitution that will take the country beyond hate politics. A constitution without any ethnic dimensions to it.” Similarly, Asres Mare Damte, Deputy Chairman of Fano Gojjam, makes clear that the first-order priority is to drive out the Abiy regime and take full control the Amhara region. Subsequently, “We will not stop until Abiy’s government is gone and the constitution is changed,” says Asres. “If necessary, we will march on Addis Ababa.”
In other words, Fano are simultaneously pursuing and achieving two objectives. Firstly, awakening, collectivizing, and operationalizing Amharas to defend themselves—intellectually and militarily. In so doing, throwing off the yolk of more than 50 years of systemic attacks, marginalization, and persecution. Secondly, to the collective endeavor of charting a truly just and democratic path for Ethiopia, Fano has called on all Ethiopians to join the cause and contribute. This amounts to a paradigm shift—both theoretically and operationally. And ultimately, a fundamental change in the way people — in particular, a critical mass of Amharas — think, engage, and take collective action.
Furthermore, Fano leaders make clear that an inclusive and transparent deliberative process is required to formulate and implement a new constitutional framework that serves all Ethiopians. To this end, Asres states, “We can only decide on a new constitution together with other ethnic groups.”
The Failure of Ethnic Federalism
In 1994, shortly after the fall of the communist Derg regime and the ascent to power of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) led Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), a new constitution was adopted in Ethiopia. The central feature of that constitution was the implementation of an ethnic federalist system.
The policy of ethnic federalism divided Ethiopia into ethnic-based regions and two city provinces—the defining feature of these regions are ethnic and linguistic differences. These ethnic-oriented regions have their own regional constitution, flag, executive government, legislature, judiciary, police, and militia. Moreover, each region selects its own working language and has the constitutional right to secede from the Union. In short, ethnic federalism, by institutional design, enshrined ethnic-based division, tribalism, and identity politics as the central organizing principles of Ethiopian politics—and indeed, the administrative state. This has led to devastating consequences.
Consequences that Ethiopians are now experiencing with the proliferation of ethnic-based violence and armed conflicts, as witnessed by: 1) the brutal 2-year civil war in northern Ethiopia that killed an estimated 1 million citizens and requires post-war reconstruction to the tune of an estimated $28 billion; 2) Abiy’s ongoing war of aggression on Amhara that is devastating the region and its people, which will significantly add to the aforementioned human and economic toll; and 3) the instability and lawlessness proliferating in Oromia, among numerous other ethnic-based conflicts plaguing and destabilizing the country.
In theory, ethnic federalism may appear desirable for protecting ethnic groups, ensuring ethnic representation, and the devolution of power; in practice, however, it has demonstrably proven a failure, as it undermines key principles of a well-functioning democratic society, namely majority rule, protection of minority rights, and the genuine decentralization of governance and the electoral process.
The Future of Ethiopia’s Social Contract: A Just and Fair Future for All
As discussed by Fano leaders, Ethiopia must now chart a new course towards a just and fair future for all citizens. In doing so, a credible and inclusive social contract rooted in equality, justice, and the rule of law is paramount. This will require the audacious and galvanizing project of moving away from ethnic federalism towards citizenship-based federalism. It’s time for Ethiopia to turn the page on ethnic federalism—the epitome of identity politics and the politics of division. A failed system that is being exploited by the few ethnonationalist politicians to the detriment of citizens, the social fabric of Ethiopian society, and the national security and economic interests of the country.
Rather than the zero-sum approach that permeates Ethiopia’s ethnic federalism, what Ethiopian society requires is a more promising political orientation—political liberalism—that draws on the wisdom of a Rawlsian conception of justice, a Lockian social contract, and credible democratization. To this end, the Fano movement, in its struggle to defend and liberate Amhara, must also continue to galvanize support from all Ethiopians for this new collective endeavor — an inclusive, just, and democratic society for all Ethiopians.
In this context, to further galvanize support and advance its struggle, it behooves the Fano leadership and its supporters to assiduously formulate a political and policy framework that: 1) conceptualizes the future of Ethiopia’s social contract and constitutional order; 2) delineates the means and ways in which all Ethiopians will partake in its formulation and implementation; and 3) embody and chart the pathway towards that just and fair future for all.
About the Author: Biruk Haregu is a researcher, PhD candidate, and graduate research assistant. His research focuses on the political economy of development in Ethiopia and Africa, international development policy, industrial policy, manufacturing policy, agricultural policy, food security, and the impacts of climate change in developing countries. Prior to his current studies, Biruk worked with the UN Economic Commission for Africa, contributing to key economic and environmental policy initiatives. He can be reached via X: @BirukHaregu
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