Lesson 15: The Transitional Government of Ethiopia
1. Video Lesson
2. Competencies
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- analyze the major political issues of the transition period in Ethiopia of 1991-94
- discuss the main features of the Transitional Government of Ethiopia of 1991
- identify the main tasks accomplished by the Transitional Government of Ethiopia of 1991
3. Brainstorming Questions
- How was the Transitional Government of Ethiopia (1991) formed?
- What were the main features of the Transitional Charter of Ethiopia in 1991?
4. Key Terminology and Concepts
- Transitional Government of Ethiopia
- The 1995 Constitution of Ethiopia
he Transitional Government of Ethiopia (TGE) was the interim government established after the overthrow of the Derg military regime in 1991. It was formed by the Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) following the collapse of the Derg. The TGE was responsible for overseeing the transition from military rule to a democratic government and was guided by the “Transitional Period Charter” until a new constitution was adopted. During its tenure, the TGE facilitated the drafting and endorsement of the 1995 constitution, which led to the establishment of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
The 1995 Constitution of Ethiopia is the foundational legal document that established the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. It marked a significant shift from previous governing frameworks by introducing a federal system based on ethnic and regional divisions, granting extensive self-determination rights to various nations, nationalities, and peoples within the country. The constitution recognizes and enshrines fundamental human and democratic rights and incorporates international standards on human rights. It also includes Article 39, which provides for the right to self-determination, including the potential for secession, a provision that has sparked significant debate among Ethiopian scholars and politicians. This constitution was adopted in August 1995, bringing an end to the Transitional Government of Ethiopia and laying the groundwork for the country’s current political and legal framework.
5. Lesson Presentation
A. The Transitional Government
On June 28, 1991, the military regime in Ethiopia was overthrown by the Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). The EPRDF then established the Transitional Government of Ethiopia (TGE) following a National Conference in Addis Ababa, which produced the “Transitional Government Charter of Ethiopia.” This charter governed Ethiopia until the adoption of the new constitution in 1995. During the transitional period, Ethiopia introduced an ethnic and language-based administrative structure, creating fourteen new regions and dismantling the former armed forces, leaving many former soldiers and police officers unemployed.
B. The 1995 Constitution
Although Ethiopia had traditional systems like the Oromo gada and historical documents such as the Fitha Negest with constitutional elements, the first modern constitution was introduced in 1931. This constitution was revised in 1955, but was suspended in 1974 when the Derg regime took over and ruled by decrees instead. The Derg established a new constitution in 1987, which was short-lived due to the regime’s overthrow in 1991. The Transitional Government of Ethiopia prioritized drafting a new constitution and convened a constituent assembly to create a draft. This draft was presented for a nominal public discussion, despite some groups alleging lack of representation in the process. The new constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia was finally adopted in August 1995, marking the end of the Transitional Government. The 1995 constitution was notable for recognizing human and democratic rights, including the rights of nations and nationalities to self-determination, a principle that some argue poses a risk to national unity.