SOCIO-POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC DYNAMICS UNDERPINNING THE DISPLACEMENT OF THE OROMO PEOPLE FROM ETHIO-SOMALI REGION AND THE LIFE TRAJECTORIES OF THE VICTIMS SINCE THEN: THE CASE OF SEBETA AND ADAMA SETTLEMENT SITES

Abstract

This study was intended to investigate the socio-political and economic dynamics underpinning the displacement of Oromo people from Ethio-Somali region and the life trajectories of the victims since displacement. The study employed descriptive research design and mixed (both quantitative and qualitative) approaches of data collection. Cross-sectional survey was used to collect quantitative data from the target population. To conduct survey, questionnaire was administered for selected households. To obtain qualitative data, key informant interview and FGD were employed. Regarding sampling technique, simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select sample from the total population. The total number of respondents selected to fill questionnaire from the target population was 195. The studyfoundout that the displacement of Oromo people from Ethio-Somali region wasattributed toconspiracy stipulated bythe then conservative ruling coalition, TPLF with its ally of ESDP that werestriving to maintain statuesque. The study disclosed thatconservativeleadingparty, TPLFput proxy pressure on its alliance of Ethio-Somali regional governmentto displace Oromo people and suppress the challenges faced from internal reformist coalition, OPDO and Qerro’s protest. It was revealed that government officials,particularly conservatives were engaging in contraband businessesthrough Wucale route to maintain economic monopoly in addition to political hegemony. So,Qerro and OPDO movement targeted breakthrough of hegemonic political economy for which retaliatory political conspiracy from conservative (TPLF) led to the displacement of Oromo People. Politically injected people to people hatred, resource conflicts on the border areas wereless contributingfactors identified for the displacement of Oromo people. It was uncovered that displaced people were exposed to stoning, starvation, kidnap, jail, death, cripple, physical injury, children school dropout, family separation, sexual harassment and other difficulties during the flight. It was also revealed in the study that displaced people were suffering from joblessness, food shortage, infrastructural and other problems at bothprovisional and final destinies.Opportunities created by the displacement like: unity of the victims with the host Oromocommunities, political reform, better living condition for some to the resettled place and living at the central part of the country was another key finding of the study. The study recommended civilized culture of political bargain among ruling parties and installation of infrastructural facilities for the victims at resettlement sites.