Historical and Political Causes:
- Ethnic Diversity: Ethiopia is a diverse country with over 80 ethnic groups, each with its own language, culture, and aspirations. This diversity has led to historical tensions and conflicts.
- Colonial Legacy: The country's colonial history under Italy left a legacy of economic and socio-political inequality that has contributed to ethnic and regional resentments.
- Autocratic Rule: For most of Ethiopia's history, power has been concentrated in the hands of a small elite, leading to a lack of democratic representation and the suppression of dissent.
- Border Disputes: Ethiopia has long-standing border disputes with its neighbors, particularly Eritrea and Somalia, which have caused periodic conflicts.
Socioeconomic Causes:
- Poverty and Inequality: Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world, with high levels of poverty and inequality. This has created a sense of grievance among the marginalized population and fueled resentment against the ruling class.
- Resource Scarcity: The country faces challenges related to water scarcity, land degradation, and climate variability, which have exacerbated competition over resources and contributed to conflicts.
- Unemployment and Underemployment: A large proportion of the population is unemployed or underemployed, leading to economic frustration and a sense of hopelessness.
Recent Triggers:
- Tigray Conflict (2020-present): A conflict between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) in the northern Tigray region, fueled by ethnic tensions, political grievances, and regional autonomy issues.
- Oromia Unrest (2015-2018): Protests by the Oromo ethnic group against the government's perceived marginalization and land rights policies, which turned violent and led to a crackdown by security forces.
- Amhara-Tigray Conflict (2021-2022): A complex conflict in the Amhara and Tigray regions, involving ethnic tensions, territorial disputes, and allegations of human rights abuses.
Other Contributing Factors:
- Access to Weapons: The proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Ethiopia has facilitated the escalation of conflicts.
- Regional Dynamics: Geopolitical tensions and alliances in the Horn of Africa, including with neighboring Eritrea and Sudan, have influenced the course of conflicts in Ethiopia.
- Influence of Foreign Powers: External actors, including the United States, Russia, and China, have played various roles in mediating and fueling conflicts in Ethiopia.