Ethiopia Adopts Constitution in 1987

Name: Ethiopia Adopts Constitution in 1987
Start: 1987-09-12
Location: Unspecified

A Landmark Moment in Ethiopian History

On February 4, 1987, Ethiopia took a significant step towards political reform and state governance by adopting its new constitution. This constitution was a revolutionary document aimed at redefining the country's political landscape. The new constitution laid the groundwork for a one-party state under the control of the Workers' Party of Ethiopia (WPE), signaling a shift towards Marxist-Leninist principles prevailing in the country.

The Workers' Party of Ethiopia and Its Impact

The WPE was established as the ruling party following the Derg's rise to power in 1974. The adoption of the constitution reaffirmed the party's dominance as it sought to implement socialist policies aimed at land reform and wealth redistribution. While it sought to empower the working class and peasants, the reality often included strict government control and suppression of dissent.

The 1987 constitution is often critiqued for its transactional and ostensibly democratic ideals that masked an authoritarian system. While it claimed to support fundamental human rights and freedoms, actual implementation often fell short of these promises. In reality, dissent was met with repression, and the constitution served more as a tool to legitimize the governing party's authority.

A Shift Towards a Federal System

An interesting feature of the 1987 constitution was its emphasis on ethnic federalism. It recognized Ethiopia's diverse ethnic makeup by granting regional autonomy to various ethnic groups, aiming to address ethnic tensions. This shift towards federalism was significant in a country that has often grappled with ethnic conflicts.

Ethnic Federalism in Practice

While the constitution aimed to preserve ethnic identities and grant self-governance, in practice, it fueled further ethnic rivalry and conflict. Over the years, these challenges have continued to shape Ethiopia's landscape and political dialogue, influencing policies and governance.

The Enduring Legacy of the Constitution

The 1987 constitution remained in place until the new federal constitution was adopted in 1995. However, its legacy continues to influence Ethiopia's political evolution, highlighting the complexities of governance in a multi-ethnic society. The outcomes of the constitutional framework have left an indelible mark on Ethiopia's journey of democratization.

Fun Fact

A Unique Constitutional Feature

One unique aspect of the 1987 Ethiopian constitution was its explicit acknowledgment of the rights of women, which asserted gender equality and aimed for greater representation within the political sphere. This was progressive for its time, reflecting wider global movements towards gender parity.