(UTV|COLOMBO) – Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is struggling to contain ethnic nationalism, which is threatening to increase divisions within the country.
Some two million people in what is known as the Sidama zone, are voting on whether they want their own regional state within Ethiopia’s federal system.
The referendum is being seen as a test of whether tensions around ethnic separatism can be resolved peacefully.
Also, ahead of a general election scheduled for May next year, the vote is a test for the country’s electoral process.
Why is this happening now?
Since coming to power in April 2018, Prime Minister Abiy has been praised for his wide-ranging liberalising reforms.
He has transformed what was considered a tightly controlled security state. He also spearheaded a peace process with long-time foe Eritrea – a move which won him this year’s Nobel Peace Prize.
But his more relaxed approach to organisations and parties campaigning for greater rights for different ethnic groups has lifted the lid on underlying tensions. Clashes in different parts of the country have forced an estimated three million people from their homes in the past 20 months. (BBC)
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