ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the fundamental historical and political developments in the making of Ethiopia, including the constitutional developments and the various implications of contradictory interpretations of Ethiopian history. The discussion begins with the contemporary political dispensation that began 1991 and the origin as well as features of the 1995 federal constitution. After the discussion on the current status quo, the chapter provides insight into the historical and constitutional development that led to the emergence of the current political and constitutional rhetoric. University students organised demonstrations and public meetings that aimed at bringing about radical political change in Ethiopia. The regime of Haile Selassie was overwhelmed by the widespread political and social upheavals that rocked the country. The National Conference on Peace and Reconciliation in July 1991 was organised as the foundation for a transitional period after the regime change.
