The Matrix of Ethnic Federalism in Ethiopia in Protecting Internal Minority Rights: Examining Perceptions in Oromia Regional State

This study aimed to analyze the matrix of ethnic federalism in protecting internal minority rights Ethiopia via Goba and Robe towns as a case at Oromia regional state. The post-1990s political formula was designed considering all ethnolinguistic groups inhabitants their own defined territory. It seems that architecture constitution, there will be homogeneous states. But, reality ground has shown none units is purely homogenous due economic migration, (re)settlement, villagization programs, freedom movement granted constitution. A mixed approach with cross-sectional survey used. Questionnaires, interviewees, focused group discussion, document analyses were used primary data. Snowball purposive sampling select respondents. In both town administrations, kin situation exists; are constitutional other legal frameworks gaps, inducing mistrust tension between minorities dominant groups, systematic segregation, denying fair effective representation levels government. Therefore, adequately recognizing legalizing should prime duty region, establishing particular institutions mandated protect minorities, government work on fostering people-to-people integration reverse looming mistrust.