The Destiny of Pan-Ethiopian Nationalism in the Post-1991 Ethiopia: Is It Neither Died nor Persisted?

Abstract

The post-1991 political leadership of Ethiopia placed more emphasis on ethno-nationalism than on pan-Ethiopian nationalism, in contrast to the political regimes that preceded it. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to respond to the following query: Why did the Ethiopian government give preference to ethno-nationalism over pan-Ethiopian nationalism after 1991? What is the real fate of pan-Ethiopian nationalism in Ethiopia's politics following 1991? Using primary data collected from interviewees and a review of various literatures, the study revealed that the major reasons for the prioritization of ethno-nationalism over pan-Ethiopian nationalism in the post-1991 era were the TPLF's assumption of Ethiopian nation-building, the need this front's leaders had to divide and rule the country, the relatively peaceful regional context during the early 1990s, and the TPLF's mechanism to stay in power and loot Ethiopia for many years. The study further argued that despite the divisive debates surrounding the survival of panEthiopian nationalism in post-1991-some contending that it has perished, while others maintain that it is still thriving-the finding indicates that pan-Ethiopian nationalism is becoming sporadic in nature and has neither persevered nor perished in post-1991 ethnic politics. Thus, the study contends that it is impossible to conclusively determine whether pan-Ethiopian nationalism survived or vanished since it lacks a distinct political and social framework. It does, however, obviously become periodic since it might appear right away at "threat" or "promise" moments, or it can stay frozen if it is not given fertile ground.