Contribution of the Ethiopian Diaspora to Peace-Building: A Case Study of the Tigrai Development Association

Author: Bahru Zewde, Gebre Yntiso and Kassahun Berhanu, Diaspeace
Date: Winter 2010

Literature pertaining to the genesis of Ethiopian Diaspora groups and their role in socio-economic and peace-building activities is both recent and scanty. The most notable works on the subject include the works of John Sorenson (1996), Terrence Lyons (2004, 2006 and 2008), A. M. Terrazas (2007), and Thomas Wheeler (2008). Citing different sources, Wheeler (2008: 17-18) provides the geographic distribution of the Ethiopian Diaspora along with their numerical size, ethnic composition, educational and social background, socio-cultural networks, and causes of departure from the country of origin since the 1970s.Based on the findings of empirical studies, Wheeler emphasizes that, in the majority of cases, the flight from Ethiopia is attributable to conflict and insecurity, which in turn contributed to the ascendance of ethno-nationalism as one of the major ideological underpinnings of diaspora engagement in politics. The role and influence of the Ethiopian Diaspora as an important constituency for those engaged in domestic politics – including the ones in government and the legal opposition – is clearly, albeit briefly, outlined in this study (ibid.: 29) and others (e.g. Lyons, 2006 & 2008).

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