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Interethnic relation is a dynamic phenomenon. Ethiopia, as a hub of over 85 ethnic groups, has ever hosted continuous ethnic process in relation to itself and within ethnic groups themselves.This research captures the case of the Awi and the Gumuz in northwest Ethiopia.It deals with the process of contact, integration and interaction between the two ethnic groups, their corresponding distinctive ethnic attributes,and the nature of peaceful and ´conflictual´ relations. It also discusses significances of amicable relations, perils of ´conflictual´ ones, and respective causes to each one of them.Particularly it shows how external and internal factors can harden or soften interethnic relations. It finally suggests ways of maintaining and enhancing amicable relations, and improving conflictual ones in the context of the two ethnic groups.

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Desalegn Amsalu is a researcher at the Institute of Ethiopian Studies(IES), Addis Ababa University(AAU), Ethiopia, since March 2008.He holds his BA in English Language and Literature, and MA in Cultural Studies, both at AAU.His research interests include ethnicity, ethnic groups, and indigenous knowledge.

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