Cultural diversity in Ethiopia between appreciation and suppression

Abstract

The aim of this collection of papers is to contribute to the discussion concerning the compatibility of cultural diversity with the concepts of human rights and development in the light of certain experiences in Ethiopia. Since the overthrow of the military and socialist regime in 1991, Ethiopia has undergone enormous changes with respect to the political process, development efforts and international relations. The introduction of ethnic federalism promises the equality of all of its more than eighty ethnic groups, and cultural diversity is publicly celebrated. However, it appears that the agenda of fast national development has led to apparent conflicts between continuity and change, as well as between tradition and modernity. This collection of papers highlights some contradictions and inconsistencies within Ethiopian laws and policies, as well as clashes between certain policies and particular cultural values and practices at the local level. The implementation of some of these policies caused resistance on the part of the local communities against certain – from their perspective – new developments, and this resistance led in turn to different forms of pressure applied by the government and non-governmental institutions to ensure compliance. The individual papers provide insights into local perspectives, experiences and reactions to perceived pressure and induced cultural change, ranging from smooth transition to new forms of life, to confusion and reluctance or partial involvement, to negotiated compromise and strict legal enforcement.