Global Journal of HUMAN-SOCIAL SCIENCE: C

Sociology & Culture

Volume 16 Issue 6 Version 1.0 Year 2016
Type: Double Blind Peer Reviewed International Research Journal
Publisher: Global Journals Inc. (USA)
Online ISSN: 2249-460x & Print ISSN: 0975-587X

Social Stratification and Marginalization in the Southern Nations

Nationalities and People Region of Ethiopia: The Case of Manja
Minority Groups
By Gebreslassie Kiros Hailu
Lecturer at Mekelle University
Abstract - In Ethiopian politico-legal history, since 1995 the federal constitution was built on the principle
of accommodating diversity and shared distribution of power and responsibilities between the central,
regional and local governments. However, disagreements on the effective protection of the rights of ethnic
and occupational minorities are tremendous. Both the Federal and regional governments of Ethiopia are
overlooked constitutional guarantees to minority ethnic groups which led to discrimination, alienation and
marginalization. In this regard, the regional constitution of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples
(SNNP) also faces couples of pitfalls in entertaining and ensuring ethnic and occupational equality of
groups within its legal and constitutional realms. The major purpose of this study was therefore to explore
the causes and consequences of marginalization and social inequality of the Manja ethnic minority, in
reference to the SNNP’s constitutional powers and practices and the endeavors made so far to address
the problem. To achieve the target of the study, multidisciplinary approaches such as web-based
evidences, published and unpublished research outputs and personal observation have thoroughly
employed. Moreover, the social exclusion theory and rights based perspective of exclusion and
marginalization have used to analyze and discover the real picture of the problem in the Sothern Nations
Nationalities and the peoples region of Ethiopia.
Keywords: federalism, minority, marginalization, ethnic/group inequality, constitution.
GJHSS-C Classification: FOR Code: 160899

SocialStratificationandMarginalizationintheSouthernNationsNationalitiesandPeopleRegionofEthiopiaTheCaseofManjaMinorityGroups
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 Social Stratification and Marginalization in the
Southern Nations Nationalities and People
Region of Ethiopia: The Case of Manja Minority
Groups
Gebreslassie Kiros Hailu

2016
Abstract - In Ethiopian politico-legal history, since 1995 the The post-1991 period witnessed the introduction of an

Year
federal constitution was built on the principle of unprecedented political structure in the modern history
accommodating diversity and shared distribution of power and of Ethiopia. The constitution of the Federal Democratic
responsibilities between the central, regional and local
Republic of Ethiopia, which came into force in 1995, is 43
governments. However, disagreements on the effective
protection of the rights of ethnic and occupational minorities
built on the principle of accommodating diversity and

Global Journal of Human Social Science ( C ) Volume XVI Issue VI Version I

are tremendous. Both the Federal and regional governments the protection of the rights of the minority groups (FDRE
of Ethiopia are overlooked constitutional guarantees to constitution 1995:1-7). As a matter of fact, the new
minority ethnic groups which led to discrimination, alienation constitution was adopted after the downfall of the
and marginalization. In this regard, the regional constitution of dictatorial government of Derg, and consists of various
the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples (SNNP) also human rights provisions and powers and benefits
faces couples of pitfalls in entertaining and ensuring ethnic shared with regional states, but the federal constitution
and occupational equality of groups within its legal and
is not without drawbacks in its implementation.
constitutional realms. The major purpose of this study was
therefore to explore the causes and consequences of
As to some previous researches, example
marginalization and social inequality of the Manja ethnic (Abbay 2009, Fiseha, 2007, Fiseha, 2006, Habtu, 2004,
minority, in reference to the SNNP’s constitutional powers and Taddele, 2010), the major drawback of the federal
practices and the endeavors made so far to address the constitution of Ethiopia is its inability to address the
problem. To achieve the target of the study, multidisciplinary rights of "ethnic and occupational minorities in the
approaches such as web-based evidences, published and ethnic-based regional states it established". The federal
unpublished research outputs and personal observation have constitution envisages ethnicity as the sole organizing
thoroughly employed. Moreover, the social exclusion theory
principle, but it overlooked constitutional guarantees to
and rights based perspective of exclusion and marginalization
have used to analyze and discover the real picture of the minorities who are hardly labeled as ethnic groups per
problem in the Sothern Nations Nationalities and the peoples to the regional or federal parameters of classifying
region of Ethiopia. The finding of the study shown that even groups as ethnic groups or not. In this regard, many
though the causes, level and consequences of marginalization people’s are discriminated, alienated and marginalized
and social inequality of the Manja groups are multifaceted and based on their work and decent status in the

-
alarming, the endeavor of the government to address the contemporary Ethiopia (Ethiopian Human Right Council,
problem is below the required level. Hence, the government 2009:3). There are minorities, which are neglected and
and other duty bearers should have to empower the rights abused on the basis of a particular career customarily
holders to be aware of and claim their rights and establish
given to them. For instance, communities living in
policies and programs that can promote the overall capacity of
the marginalized groups. southern Amhara called Enewari Woreda, the Hadicho,
Keywords: federalism, minority, marginalization, Mana and Manja living in the Southern Nations,
ethnic/group inequality, constitution. Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR) are subjects
of alienation and segregation in the contemporary
I. Introduction Ethiopia (Assefa 2015:6). In the opinion of the
a) Federalism and Multicultural Society in Ethiopia researcher, the 'ethnic' based formulation of federalism

N
owadays, federalism is recommended as a good of the country is incompatible with the existing
model to manage and govern ethnic pluralism in statuesque that it has been created the strongest and
Ethiopia. It is conceived as an instrument that unbroken margin among the Ethnic communities that
protects the right of minority groups and promote social damages the solidarity and the oneness of the Ethiopian
security and state integration (Van der Beken 2013:3). society. Furthermore, I perceive that the occupational
minority group are oppressed and dominated by the
Author: Lecturer at Mekelle University College of Law and Governance. majority ethnic groups rather than by the federalism
e-mail: [email protected] policy. To my knowledge, in many parts of the country,

© 20 16 Global Journals Inc. (US)

 Social Stratification and Marginalization in the Southern Nations Nationalities and People Region of
Ethiopia: The Case of Manja Minority Groups

of the country is incompatible with the existing marginalized groups are more vague, ambiguous, and
statuesque that it has been created the strongest and unclear. The community considers the excluded groups
unbroken margin among the Ethnic communities that as being guilty who are responsible for their exclusion
damages the solidarity and the oneness of the Ethiopian and criminalize them for their behavior and lack of
society. Furthermore, I perceive that the occupational dedication to the social fabric (ibid).
minority group are oppressed and dominated by the
c) Rights Based Approach
majority ethnic groups rather than by the federalism
The other approach used to analyze the social
policy. To my knowledge, in many parts of the country,
problems in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and
there is a great deal of minority groups who are
Peoples region is a right based approach. A Right
excluded and stigmatized based on their way of life and
Based- Approach focuses on solving discrimination and
descent. Even though such type of practice is outlawed
inequality through making and including the needs of
in the constitution of the country, it is less practicable in
the marginalized and victim groups in development
the ground.
2016

agendas and activities of the larger community, perhaps

According to Freeman and Pankhurst cited in the majority groups. More importantly, this theory helps
Year

De Sisto(2014:83), in many federal states, minority duty bearers to strengthen their capacity to shoulder
groups are economically abused, marginalized, ignored their responsibility and right holders to claim for their
44 in the political state of affairs and culturally segregated fundamental human rights. In line with this conviction,
which are manifested in their day to day activities. In the UNICEF (2007:11) officially reported that on the
terms of effect/consequence, the different dimensions of
Global Journal of Human Social Science (C ) Volume XVI Issue VI Version I

need to promote the needs and demands of minority

inequality and marginalization are very interrelated to groups, all development policies and interventions
each other, their spillover effect among each other made exercised to empower local communities should
the system very complex for providing of viable readjust the power imbalance that prevailed within the
solutions. community. This approach helps duty bearers to
This study, therefore, seeks to examine and strengthen their capacity to shoulder their responsibility
analyze the multifaceted socio-economic and political and right holders to claim for their fundamental human
exclusion and marginalization of the Manja minority rights.
groups who are inhabited in the southern nations,
nationalities and peoples region of Ethiopia through II. Results and Discussions
using the Rights-Based Approach (RBA) and the Social
Exclusion Theory (SET). In so doing, the study also a) The Causes and Levels of marginalization of the
explores the pattern of life and living conditions of the Manja group/minority/People
Manja minority groups in terms of social, economic and The Manja people are a minority group in
cultural features. habitated "in pockets of Kafa, Sheka, Bench Maji, and
Dawro zones, and the Konta special woreda" in the
b) Theoretical Foundation of the study Southern Nations, Nationalities and People region of
i. Social Exclusion Theory Ethiopia (Yoshida 2013:3). In Dawro, Bench Maji, Konta
There has been different theories approached and Kefaa zones of the southern region, social identities
to explain the causes and effects of social inequality. associated with occupational tasks and clans are still
-

Social exclusion theory is among these theories which used as the main customary practice for the day to day
shed light on the causes and consequences of social interaction in many aspects, like in social economy,
injustice prevailed in a particular society. The Social administrative marriage and ritual practices of the
exclusion theory in this paper is used to examine the communities (Haaland, et al. 2004: 156). These
exclusion of the Manja minority group based on the identities are constructed in hierarchical strata similar to
ascribed and occupational status. The minorities are the caste system and depicted as follows.
marginalized by the majority due to economic, social
and cultural factors which are the legacy of the previous
history and now embedded and institutionalized in the
norms and values of the society of the oppressed and
the oppressor. In support of this, Yimer (2012:23)
noticed that social exclusion is a condition in which
marginalized groups are not allowed to participate
actively in their community because of their identity and
social status such as race, gender, age, occupation etc.
Other researchers, example Yoshida (2013), De Sisto
(2014) and Estivill (2003) in a similar vein added that the
social relationship between the community and the

© 2016 Global Journalss Inc. (US)

 Social Stratification and Marginalization in the Southern Nations Nationalities and People Region of
Ethiopia: The Case of Manja Minority Groups

2016
Year
Figure 1: Hierarchical Structure of society in some part of the SNNP region in Ethiopia
The pyramid portrayed above indicates that in such as the right to humane treatment, the right to
the southern parts of Ethiopia, there are class structures
45
respect and reputation and right to equality of the Manja
which it have a similar feature with the caste system. minority groups are not fully protected, though the

Global Journal of Human Social Science ( C ) Volume XVI Issue VI Version I

Accordingly, the pyramid displayed that the social mentioned rights are well depicted in the federal
structure from the superior to the lower class which it constitution. For instance, as in Article 18(2) of the FDRE
has been taken as a norm in the part of the community. constitution, no one should be compelled to slavery and
The Manja people are found in the lower level of the slavery like practices. Article 24(1) also states that "all
social strata and the marginalization and segregation is persons have a right to respect due to human beings
much higher at the lower strata where the Manja people and to the protection of their reputation and honour".
are situated. Moreover, article 25(1) noted that all people are equal
Haaland, et al. (2004: 156) and Yoshida before the law without any bias and prejudice to get
(2013:3-4) explained the occupation and the role ofeach equal opportunity and protection of the law. On top of
strata stated in the above pyramid in the community. this, the federal constitution irrevocably ensures that
The Malla has been assumed by the community any law should provide to all persons identical and
ascitizens, farmers, leaders, whereas the Wogatche are efficient security without any discrimination on the basis
assumed as Steely coiners. The Degelle has believed as of "race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other
tanners, the Gitamana as iron smelters and the Mana as opinion, national or social origin, wealth, birth or other
Potters. People in lower strata called Manja also taken status" (FDRE Constitution 1995:5-7).
as Charcoal producers, forest users and former hunters. The primary and secondary duty bearers thus
That is why the purpose of this study was to investigate have an obligation to protect and fulfil the right of Manja
the causes and consequences of the marginalization of people through different means such as providing free
the Manja people and the efforts made so far by the education using incentives and empowering to
government any other stakeholders to address the participate in decision making processes that directly

-
problem. affect them. Moreover, the general public should have to
The Manja people are excluded because of be informed and empowered their capacity and
engaged in less valued occupational tasks and born knowledge through different means like human right
from a particular clan (Yoshida 2013:13-14). The education and community programs that can foster
multifaceted and complex process of marginalization social interaction and cohesion.
and social exclusion indicates that the social integration For long years, the socio-economic and political
and organizational bottlenecks that confront the division of the societies of the southern region has been
realization of solidarity, human wellbeing and an equal creating different hierarchical arrangements and social
opportunity of the diversified community. Tewdros groups ascribed to the type of occupation and decent of
(2008:2) in his study also reported that the Manja people clans (De Sisto 2014:83). To my belief, in the history of
have been segregated from the other people saying the the country, the discriminatory and anti-social values
cultural activities of the Manja community are assumed and cultures practiced to categorize the society between
to be contrary to the community’s norms and religious different social settings are structurally oppressive in
practices. Consequently, the other communities are not terms of benefits and social status. Surprisingly, despite
willing to have economic, social and cultural ties with the the existing oppressive structures, the socially ascribed
Manja community. hierarchical structures have been very intact for many
Under Rights -Based Approach, in the context years in the southern region. This therefore indicates
of marginalization and exclusion, I can argue that rights that the acceptance of the people to traditional

© 20 16 Global Journals Inc. (US)

 Social Stratification and Marginalization in the Southern Nations Nationalities and People Region of
Ethiopia: The Case of Manja Minority Groups

institutions and cultural divisions is much stronger than The Manja people are socially excluded in their
to the legal and institutional apparatuses of the state. day to day activities of the so called superior class. The
Accordingly, people from different clans do not discrimination is manifested in every occasion of social
have equal access to land, political office and social life, such as at greetings, meal ceremony, shared labor,
prestige, except the royal clan called Malla. For in choice of partner and the direction of funeral grounds.
example, per to the aforementioned strata, the most Furthermore, when the Manja meet people from the
disadvantaged and excluded social class is the Manja other strata, they are anticipated to disgrace
clan as they are considered as inferior people who are themselves, stepping down, welcoming their masters
hardly treated as humans in their locality, possibly in the with the term of "show occhiqebona" plainly meaning,
southern region. As the result of this, the Manja people "let me die for you" (Yoshida, 2009:302).
remain an excluded and highly marginalized groups in This sort of naming and discriminating
the governance, resource allocation, political, cultural (shaming) makes the Manja peoples to be seen as
and economic matters of the community (Yoshida
2016

disfavored groups and peoples and categorized in the

2013:14). And they are described as unhealthy and anti-
camp of animalism which is so inhumane and illegal.
Year

social, dishonest, unreliable, backward, primitive, animal

These people were hunters up until the destruction of
like, subhuman, craven, emotional, immoral and
shameful. Their house is portrayed as tiny and untidy, the feudal system that made them landless groups for
46
they alleged to have ugly faces and darker skins. They centuries. For the sake of survival, they had eaten
are also described as not real people because of eating animals that cannot be consumed by the dominant
Global Journal of Human Social Science (C ) Volume XVI Issue VI Version I

dead animals without being slaughtered (De ethnic groups. In addition, because of the stereotype
Sisto2014:8). and exclusion by the dominant groups, the Manja did
According to Yoshida and Freeman, the main not get a better education that can help them to
ground of the community to discriminate the Manja empower their capacity in thinking and claiming of their
group are rooted on eating habit, physical appearance rights. For all these injustices, the Manja now perceived
and other primordial characteristics. He also that they are treated unjustly by the government and
synthesizes that government agencies when problems happened
"The Manja peoples eat unclean and filthy food, such between the so called superior (Malla) and Manja
as the meat of religiously prohibited animals likes classes (Yoshida 2013:9). Hence, the relationship
savanna monkey, baboon, coloubs, wild boar, and between the Malla and Manja is manifested by prejudice
dead animals. They do have also short and very curly and violation of rights.
hair. They are people who never give a care about In around 1980's, when the Derg was in power,
hygiene, and do not wash their clothes and bodyand there had been attempts to abolish the harmful
smell unpleasant (in some cases due to skin disease). traditional practices against the Manja group through
The Manja are wicked and liars, they are not holding several meetings with an intention to improve
interested in education, so that they are ignorant and the groups’ discriminatory trends and to create a
lazy. They are extravagant and thieving and lack healthier relationship between the majority community
sense of majority" (Yoshida 2008:50 and Freeman and Manja, but it was not successful (Yoshida 2013:9).
2016:6).
-

Adopted from: Yoshida (2009:303)

Figure 2: Awareness creation against discrimination and exclusion

© 2016 Global Journalss Inc. (US)

 Social Stratification and Marginalization in the Southern Nations Nationalities and People Region of
Ethiopia: The Case of Manja Minority Groups

Since discrimination is a human rights issue, III. Concluding Remarks

some NGOs initiated campaigns of awareness creation
to abolish discrimination and exclusion. This poster is The Manja peoples are the most excluded and
made by NGO for a campaign condemning exclusion marginalized groups in the Southern Nations,
and discrimination against the Manja. In the middle of Nationalities and Peoples region of Ethiopia. These
this picture, a Manja person with no umbrellas in the rain people are marginalized because of their descent,
asking to use the restaurant and the Malla (royal family) pattern of life and occupation. Even though, the reasons
restaurant holder refusing consent to get in. The for being discriminated, such as eating religiously
Amharic 1 version in the left hand side of the poster prohibited wild animals, hunting and other occupational
stated by the dominant ethnic group or Malla indicates tasks have shown a sort of reduction, the wrong
"how these people can eat in our restaurant? Do not perceptions and social stereotype of the Malla
come to our restaurant, our customers can stop coming community against the Manja are hardly improved.
to use in our restaurant if they see you eating food in our Notwithstanding the incumbent government guarantees

2016
restaurant". The Manja family in the right hand side also the rights of minority groups explicitly through the 1995
constitution, the modus Vivendi of these people is still

Year
said "we have the right to be served in your restaurant as
with a little improvement. In this regard, the government
far as we are capable to pay for your service, as other
has the obligation to protect the rights of minority
customers do. We are equal before the law and the eyes
groups and to empower their capacity to claim their 47
of God" (Yoshida, 2009: 302). This drama was organized
rights, since it is not fully discharged its responsibility to
for creating awareness in areas where the Manja people

Global Journal of Human Social Science ( C ) Volume XVI Issue VI Version I

ensure equality of all as it should, and is expected to do.
are located. And such type of educational drama can
However, the one fact that the Manja minority groups
have a paramount importance to dismantle the deep
have their own representation in the federal parliament,
rooted oppressive cultures, values and norms of the
regardless of the negligible empowerment and top
society.
down decisions and policies that the government
Moreover, the Manja people who are living in
practices in the SNNP. The top down decisions of the
keffa and sheka zone started struggling against
government and the other actors could not address the
discrimination imposed to them from the majority and
problem of the segregated and marginalized
dominant ethnic group in 1997 up until now through
communities in the SNNPR in general and the Manja
collecting of petitions about asking recognition under
communities in particular. The concerned bodies and
“Nations, Nationalities and people’s provision". In other stakeholders should take therefore systematic
overall, they made petitions for maximum of forty times measures such as comprehensive trainings and human
(Yoshida 2013:2-13). However, the campaigns and the rights education to the Manja people in particular and
demonstration that made so far are less comprehensive the community in general.
to include other zones where the Manja people
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Ethiopia: The Case of Manja Minority Groups

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