Mohammed Girma

Ethnic Diversity, National Unity

Ethics, Culture & Social Issues

“Ethiopia has always been able to construct a story that it could tell to the outside world. However, internally negotiating a story that does justice to its ethnic and religious plurality remained its Achilles’ heel. Even when political architecture was not strong enough, it was the moral arc that held the nation together. That, however, is now being eroded by the social media-driven grievances and a sharp rise of ethno-nationalist politics. As a result, the discursive space has significantly shrank and Ethiopia’s long-held national unity has been increasingly threatened. Therefore, sober and skilful reflections on the moral foundations of living in a shared space vis-à-vis ethnic plurality was long overdue. Theodros A. Teklu’s Ethnic Diversity, National Unity is a stunning achievement not only in addressing this very timely issue in Ethiopia, but also in bringing together young and bright Ethiopian scholars into the conversation.”