Author Archives: shreeya

In Ethiopia, there are many ethnic tribes and overlapping identities. Habesha is a term used to describe the culture and people of the Ethiopian and Eritrean regions. This term refers to the tribes and ethnicities, like Amhara and Tigray. However, regardless of ethnicity, it can be applied to all people in the region.

Ethiopia never dealt with colonization the way other African countries suffered through. Because of this separation, the customs of Ethiopia carry on from centuries ago. The ancient alphabet and calendars are still in use. Diversity thrives in Ethiopia, with over 80 ethnic groups and 87 native languages.

“According to the 2007 census, the largest ethnic groups are the Oromo (43.4% of the population), Amhara (26.9%), Somali (6.2%), Tigray (6.1%) and Sidama (4%). Other significant ethnic populations include the Gurage, Welaita, Hadiya and Afar people.”

The government of Ethiopia recognizes the diverse cultures and groups within the region. Ethiopia is an ethnic federation, meaning the territories are divided on an ethnic basis. Unfortunately, this created more sectarian tension. Individuals may have ethnically mixed heritages and not identify with one specific group.

Christianity was declared an official religion in Ethiopia during 333 CE, making Ethiopia one of the first countries to do so. They were not introduced to the religion by Europeans.

Ethiopia is a beautiful country with diverse wildlife, culture, and history.

Ethiopia’s economic growth benefits from its diverse agriculture. However, due to conflict from war and drought, there’s been weak business and trade, including poor environmental access. The war in Tigray that lasted two years caused significant devastation to Ethiopia’s political, social, and economic state. Climate change and lack of fighting against environmental difficulties hindered the agricultural trade.  Ethiopia has an estimated 6.4% growth in 2021/22. “However, it also remains one of the poorest, with a per capita gross national income of $1,020.” During COVID-19, the GDP slowed and since then, there’s been a slight incline in the economy.

The reform plan to improve Ethiopia’s economy includes addressing food insecurity, high transportation costs, limited financial and telecommunications services, and land tenure insecurity. “USAID commits to creating jobs and increasing access to healthy diets, to ensure people can become more financially independent and provide a better standard of living for their families.” This agenda promotes welfare and overall support for the civilians, in order to encourage economic growth. Another aspect is focusing on agricultural trade along the border of Ethiopia and Djibouti. Alleviating congestion in the areas, increasing sanitation, and coordination between authorities will increase trade.

Ethiopia has endured several civil wars;  the Tigray conflict being the most recent war that continued for two years. The weapons and explosive remnants of the war caused civilians to suffer from restricted healthcare facilities, movement, schools, homes, and fertile land. “Thousands of people have been displaced, essential infrastructure has been destroyed or damaged, and weapon contamination has reached very concerning levels in some areas.”  The everyday lives of Ethiopians have been disrupted due to the conflict with the Tigray region, however, the process of rebuilding and aid has been supported and focused on.

Overall, the humanitarian process has been improving due to the ICRC’s (International Committee of the Red Cross) efforts. More routes throughout Ethiopia have been opened, allowing better access for civilians to reach difficult areas and receive aid. Opportunities for people to flee from the country or accept refugees have heightened as well. Authorities are focusing on a peace agreement, which attempts to find solutions for peace and reparations, along with accountability and truth. In order to deal with internal displacement, the Ethiopian government has prioritized life-saving humanitarian action. “In 2021, Ethiopia ratified the Kampala Convention and initiated steps to work towards a comprehensive framework to guide responses to internal displacement.”

On a specific note, sexual violence has been another human rights issue the Ethiopian government faces. Several solutions have been put in place to put in place to protect the citizens. In Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia regions, one-stop centers are established to assist victims of sexual violence. They include medications, dignity kids, and food. The health staff there is trained in the clinical management of rape. There are safe houses throughout these regions to provide support for survivors. Along with institutions, police officers and other legal figures are trained. “More than 430 police officers, investigators, and prosecutors have participated in dedicated trainings on the investigations of sexual violence and international humanitarian law.”

The ICRC in Ethiopia.

These steps of rebuilding the nation start with supporting the people. ICRC hopes to see a steady increase in humanitarian aid as its efforts continue to expand throughout the country of Ethiopia.

Ethiopia has diverse and rich land throughout the country, however, humans are interfering with the environment’s natural course and the government is trying to take action. We see this happening in Goba, Ethiopia. UNESCO plans to relocate 20,000 people living in Bale Mountains National Park to promote environmental growth. Nevertheless, another moral dilemma arises about the displacement of people and villages. The village is known as Rita, a lush forest that has been used for farming for many decades. In various interviews of the residents, they mention how they are not refugees and have been legally recognized. Rita Village benefits the community economically and socially, including their culture. “’Our spirit is connected to nature; I can’t stay a day out of this place.’” Some individuals are being compensated for the relocation plan with money, but that doesn’t alleviate their minds about leaving their homes.

While the relocation causes stress and inconvenience for the villagers, the national park is critically important for many species that are currently endangered. Expansion and encroachment reduce natural resources and water, including an increase in invasive species. The balance between maintaining community and biodiversity is a challenge; it seems as if both outcomes result in a negative for either. The villagers of Rita believe that the environment provides for them and they provide for the environment, like any other symbiotic relationship. The relocation plan hasn’t started for the Rita villagers and park officials mention that resettlement will take a few years. 

Ethiopians and refugees that rely on food aid from the United Nations World Food Program have been struggling for approximately five months, due to the pause of resources being sent to Ethiopia. This halt occurred because of the ongoing theft of rations that were being sold to markets and commercial mills. Ever since the civil war that lasted two years and relentless drought, more than 20 million people have needed food assistance in Ethiopia (1). There was a seven-year support package that was supposed to be sent in 2021, however, conflict with Tigray and thievery deferred it. Without aid, it is causing devastating consequences; many civilians are dying of hunger. As an attempt to reduce theft, the World Food Program will distribute wheat to 100,000 people in specific districts in northern Ethiopia to ensure control for delivering food aid (2). The responsibility of disbursing food aid now belongs to humanitarian groups, rather than the Ethiopian government, which was linked to the schemes of stealing. The aid package is planned to support the development of Ethiopia by promoting democratic governing and reconstruction/assistance for citizens. The hope is that this will help to alleviate the suffering of the Ethiopian people and create a brighter future for the country.

US food assistance includes the distribution of wheat to Ethiopia.

Hi, I’m Shreeya! I’m a first-year psychology student from West Linn, Oregon. I enjoy swimming, bird-watching, playing piano, and music in general. I’m interested in learning about various cultures all over the world and hopefully sharing my own culture from Nepal with everyone! With the exposure I have to some international countries, I hope to learn and experience more with those related topics.