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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The fate of the Suri: conflict and group tension on the south-west Ethiopian frontier
Author:Abbink, JonISNI
Year:2009
Periodical:Changing identifications and alliances in North-East Africa. Vol. 1: Ethiopia and Kenya
Pages:35-51
Language:English
Geographic term:Ethiopia
Subjects:Suri
ethnic conflicts
social disorganization
Abstract:Over the past fifteen years, a notable increase of violent local group conflicts has been evident in southwest Ethiopia. This chapter discusses group tensions and conflict in this poly-ethnic region, focusing on the Suri. In the local conflicts between the Suri and their neighbours, no political-ideological agenda is evident. They are about survival, resources, local rivalries and prestige. From the Suri viewpoint, there are several categories of problematic outsiders with whom they have disputes. First, the Suri distinguish between the Dizi, the Me'en and Ethiopian government representatives. A second category of people considered their 'real enemies' include the Nyangatom, Toposa (in Sudan) and Anywaa. A third and different category includes people related to them culturally: the Mursi and the Baale. These external conflicts have not generated more internal solidarity among the Suri; they seem to have had the opposite effect. The chapter deals with the various levels of conflict, exploring whether there is an ongoing process of identity (re)definition and (re)alignments, and whether there are prospects for a more peaceful development. Notes, ref. [ASC Leiden abstract]
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