Citizenship in Ethiopia has a complex history that has been shaped by the country's diverse cultural and political landscape.
During the Imperial period (1930-1974), citizenship was largely based on ethnicity and was tied to membership in a particular ethnic group. This system was used to maintain the dominance of certain ethnic groups over others, and non-Ethiopian citizens were often denied certain rights and privileges.
After the fall of the Imperial government in 1974, the country underwent a series of political changes that included the adoption of a new constitution in 1995. This constitution granted citizenship to all individuals who were born in Ethiopia or had at least one parent who was a citizen. It also eliminated the requirement for citizenship by ethnicity.
However, the practice of citizenship in Ethiopia has continued to be somewhat problematic. There have been instances of discrimination against certain groups, particularly ethnic minorities, in the issuance of identity documents and the recognition of citizenship. In addition, the government has faced challenges in effectively registering and documenting citizens, particularly in rural areas.
Despite these challenges, the notion of citizenship in Ethiopia has evolved significantly over the past century, and the country continues to work towards a more inclusive and equitable system of citizenship for all of its citizens.