This research presents and analyses how Bole Michael, Addis Ababa functions in Somali mobility and the role of Somali entrepreneurship in this area. Moreover, it aims to avoid going along with...Show moreThis research presents and analyses how Bole Michael, Addis Ababa functions in Somali mobility and the role of Somali entrepreneurship in this area. Moreover, it aims to avoid going along with popular notions and conventional theories on Somalis and entrepreneurs. Henceforth, this research uses literature that fits the context of Somalis in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Furthermore, this study shows that Somalis in Bole Michael do not identify as refugees, which contradicts the simplified paradigm illustrated by existing literature on Somalis in Bole Michael. Nevertheless, it reveals that Bole Michael functions as a transit hub for various Somali migrants moving through Bole Michael to Europe and North America. Additionally, Somali enterprises in Bole Michael are service-based and offer services that assist the journey undertaken by migrants, such as; guesthouses, money transfer operators and restaurants. Accordingly, this research argues that Somali businesses sustain and stimulate international Somali mobility. This thesis concludes with suggestions for further research that studies the stimulating effect of money transfer companies on illegal migration among Somali youth.Show less
“The struggles for water between hegemons and subordinates are set within the framework of hydro-hegemony and include the concept of power. Hegemonic and counter-hegemonic strategies drive changes...Show more“The struggles for water between hegemons and subordinates are set within the framework of hydro-hegemony and include the concept of power. Hegemonic and counter-hegemonic strategies drive changes at the international level allowing different states to shift their perceived power. Their positions actively affects the discourse, influencing processes like agenda-setting, policy-making and hydropower plans. This paper analyses the struggle between Egypt and Ethiopia within the hydro-hegemonic framework assessing the different practices employed by Cairo to (re-)assert its position as the most powerful player in the Nile River Basin complex, the hegemon.”Show less
Research master thesis | African Studies (research) (MA)
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This thesis aims to investigate the cultural templates that underpin the centuries old practice of female genital cutting (FGC) a non-medical procedure that provides for the excision of external...Show moreThis thesis aims to investigate the cultural templates that underpin the centuries old practice of female genital cutting (FGC) a non-medical procedure that provides for the excision of external part of female genitalia to comply with the practicing community’s socio-cultural system. Although FGC incidence has been declining, high prevalence rates have been reported in several African countries like Ethiopia, whose incidence stands around 65.2%. Following increased global mobility, public and policy concern about FGC among the African communities in Europe has grown. However, hardly any studies attempted to unearth the elements that render FGC 'transportable' to a new cultural context that rejects the legitimacy of this practice. Considering Ethiopia has both a strong FGC culture and a long-standing history of migration, the latter is hereby the object of analysis. In this study, I trace back social, ideological, symbolic and religious dimensions of these interventions from the context they have been produced. I then investigate how cultural patterns are played out among the Ethiopian diaspora settled in Italy. I show that the reason behind female excision is a matrix of socio-cultural-symbolic nexus that are very powerful in a context where the practice is autochthonous but, in the advent of migration, the same go from being allowing to disabling factors for continuation.Show less
The thesis examines foreign policy behaviour in fractured states, which is argued to be more complex than in unitary nation states. The argument will be based on an assessment of foreign policy...Show moreThe thesis examines foreign policy behaviour in fractured states, which is argued to be more complex than in unitary nation states. The argument will be based on an assessment of foreign policy making in Ethiopia. The study specifically tries to investigate the influence of Ethiopia’s unique ethnic federal system on foreign policy making. It does so by applying a Neoclassical Realist framework to illuminate the dynamics between the international system and the domestic political settlement in shaping foreign policy responses. By making use of this framework, complex relations can be pointed out. Concluding the paper finds that even though Ethiopia is highly fractured along institutionalized ethnic lines, the foreign policy behaviour is predominantly determined by elitist strategies for regime survival. Nonetheless, the political core elite makes use of ethnic undertones to mobilize resources in their interest and shape a preferable national narrative. It will be shown that foreign policy and the national interest pursued are defined by the core elite to suit their strategies of regime survivalShow less
Over the last decades, China went from an underdeveloped nation to the world’s fastest growing economy. In the meantime, China’s economic relations have massively increased with nation from all...Show moreOver the last decades, China went from an underdeveloped nation to the world’s fastest growing economy. In the meantime, China’s economic relations have massively increased with nation from all economic, political and sociocultural backgrounds. Chinese trade with Africa grew during the post-colonial period and continued to rise as African nations gradually develop. Those partnerships remain distinct from others however, since there seems to be added pressure for economic trade to unequivocally benefit the African side when Chinese trade is involved. Indeed, when assessing trade with Africa, critics often tend to emphasize human rights violations and poor working conditions inflicted by Chinese companies, while generally not holding Western companies to the same standard, or at least, not emphasizing the issue as much, when similar instances also involve Western companies. The Chinese trading model will be compared with fairer trade practices practiced today also known as “fair trade”. This thesis will be an attempt at a discussion to understand the standard of Chinese trade model in Africa while also addressing the issues emerging as a result. The fair trade market, as well as other forms of fair trade practices will be assessed to determine the state of trade practices between the two case studies countries: Ethiopia and Nigeria.Show less
This thesis explores the impact that the border conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea has had on the breakdown of Eritrea's diplomatic relationships. It conducts an examination of formal resolution...Show moreThis thesis explores the impact that the border conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea has had on the breakdown of Eritrea's diplomatic relationships. It conducts an examination of formal resolution process, the dynamics of Eritrean foreign policy and the impact of its strategic choices. It concludes, that the border conflict cannot be seen as the sole cause for the disintegration of its external relationships.Show less