External versus Internal Self-Determination: A Plea for the Full Implementation of the Ethiopian Constitution

Abstract

This article contributes to the Ethiopian debate on self-determination, considering the current multinational federal constitution as well as international understandings of the concept. The article suggests that the Ethiopian Federal Constitution provides for internal self-determination and that shortcomings in terms of ethnic conflict should be attributed to failure to properly implement it. The author recommends full respect of human rights, both political rights and minority and indigenous rights, in line with the international best practices.