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Though ethnic identity (ethnicity) has now become state ideology in Ethiopia, underpinning the newly entrenched federal system, competition for resource and political power has continued unabated among major ethnic groups. It would be naive to envision that higher learning institutions are islands of peace while the ambiance off-campus is experiencing political turbulence. College campuses nowadays are steadily losing their defining feature, multiculturalism, due mainly to ethnic rivalry, among students of major ethnic groups, spurred by mistrust, ethnic bigotry, stereotyping and at times by political motives, which result in violence. This book, therefore, sheds light on the possible sources of on-campus conflict that eroded the spirit of solidarity among students and elucidates on the way forward to forge unity of purpose to advance social justice, rule of law and human rights. While the book is intended for academia, researchers, policy makers and politicians in multi-ethnic societies, it has also an appeal to anyone interested in ethnic identity and its challenges.

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Abera H. Woldyesus, BA in philosophy, LLB, and MA in Peace and Security: Studied at Addis Ababa University. Director at Union of Ethiopian Resident Charities

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