Ethiopian Journal of Social Sciences

Examining the intersection of prostitution, HIV/AIDS transmission, and stigma in conflict-affected areas: The case of Bahir Dar city

2025-08-27T09:14:32+02:00

Home-based commercial sex workers are vulnerable to HIV/AIDS transmission due to their isolation from support networks, limited access to healthcare services, and economic pressure that often lead to risky sexual practices. This study investigates the role of home-based commercial sex workers in the transmission of HIV/AIDS in Bahir Dar city, focusing on the socio-demographic characteristics and living conditions of this vulnerable group. Utilizing a household survey, key informant interviews, focus group discussion, and case studies, data were collected from 180 participants. The findings reveal that a significant proportion of home-based commercial sex workers were young women under 30, often driven into sex work due to limited educational and economic opportunities. Alarmingly, 69.3% of the participants reported that they were HIV-positive, with inconsistent condom use exacerbating health risks. The ongoing armed conflict has intensified these challenges, increasing the demand for sex work while limiting access to healthcare. Despite facing stigma and discrimination, some women are beginning to engage in community support initiatives. The study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive interventions, including educational programs, accessible healthcare, and community support networks, to improve the lives of home-based sex workers and reduce HIV transmission rates.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, home-based commercial sex workers, stigma, socio-demographic factors, Bahir Dar

The battle of Aroge revisited: a technical inquiry into military innovation and the might of firepower

2025-08-27T09:14:28+02:00

Based on a qualititave method, this study attempts to examine the battle of Aroge fought between the dwendling army of Emperor Tewodros II and the British expeditionary force sent to Ethiopia to get the release of European captives kept at the formidable Meqdela plateau. The researcher tries to make use of contemporary primary and secondary sources in an attmept to shed new light on the fateful engagement between the two forces. The British expeditionary force benefited tremendously from the invention of the first breech-loading rifles which were to be tested in the battle with Ethiopians. The Battle of Aroge fought on 10 April, 1868, proved that the muzzle-loading guns in the hands of Ethiopians were no match for the new breech-loading Snider rifles possessed by the British forces. During the brief engagement that lasted three hours, Tewodros lost hundreds of soldiers including his loyal commander Fitawrari Gebreye. Three days later, he committed suicide. The findings underscore how firepower decisively shifted the balance of power in favor of the British forces and allowed them to gain a strategic upper hand.

Keywords: Meqdela, Snider, breech-loading, muzzle-loading, rifles, mortars

“We don’t know where we should go”: Migrants' transnational journey across the East African trail at Kumer Refugee Camp, Ethiopia

2025-08-27T09:14:24+02:00

The transcontinental journey along the East African migration trail underscores profound uncertainty and resilience. This study explores the cross-border migration experiences of individuals in East Africa. It focuses on the intersection of the drivers of migration, support systems and the challenges faced during a journey and at a refugee camp. It employed a qualitative research approach using a case study design, which included in-depth interviews with migrants who experienced complex migration journeys, alongside key informant interviews and observational methods. Twenty-one participants were selected through purposive sampling, and thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. The findings reveal that personal tragedies, such as familial loss, socioeconomic and political factors influence migration decisions. Vulnerability, including threats of violence and inadequate living conditions are critical in transits and camps. In conclusion, migrants’ transcontinental journeys along the East African migration trail emphasize the uncertainty and challenges individual’s face in their search for safety. The study recommends a holistic approach to migration management that addresses root causes, integrates security, mental health, and socioeconomic support, and fosters collaboration among governments, humanitarian organizations, and local communities to improve migrants' quality of life and resilience.

Keywords: East Africa, migration, migration trail, refugee, transnational migration

Work-related abuse and exploitation among Ethiopian female migrant domestic workers in Middle Eastern countries

2025-08-27T09:14:20+02:00

Ethiopian women have been migrating to countries in the Middle East for work more frequently in recent years. However, research on these migrants' working conditions is still scarce. This study examines the prevalence of work-related abuse and exploitation among Ethiopian female migrant domestic workers. It also explores whether these experiences vary by legal status or destination country. A mixed-methods approach was used. Quantitative data was gathered from 224 randomly selected female returnees and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. The qualitative part included four focus group discussions with eight returnees each, 18 in-depth interviews with returnees, and six key informant interviews with representatives from government agencies, private employment agencies, and NGOs, analyzed through thematic content analysis. The findings show that most migrant domestic workers faced serious work-related abuse and exploitation. This included being forced to work long hours, performing tasks beyond what was originally agreed upon, working in multiple households, enduring poor working conditions, and overstaying their contracts. The statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in abuse experiences based on legal status and destination country differences. This may be due to similar labor systems, like the kafala system, across Gulf States, which provides little protection for migrant workers. Moreover, although it needs further study, many returnees reported discriminatory treatment and work assignments based on nationality. The study suggests creating bilateral and multilateral labor agreements with destination countries to reduce abuse/exploitation and ensure fair treatment for all migrant workers.

Keywords: Female migrant, work-condition, abuse, Ethiopia, Middle East

Impact of non-state armed groups on state-society relations in Ethiopia

2025-08-28T23:01:33+02:00

In most contemporary armed conflicts, at least one non-state armed group (NSAG) is engaged in combat with state forces and other NSAGs, often within the boundaries of states. Both state and non-state actors frequently challenge state-society relations. Since 2018, Ethiopia's political landscape has been shaped by ongoing armed conflict, a decline in the state’s monopoly on violence and challenges to state-society relations. The impact of non-state armed actors, such as the Tigray Defense Force (TDF), the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), and the Amhara Fano, on the legitimacy of the Ethiopian state and public trust in its governance since 2018 is the focus of the study. The study adopted qualitative methodology with case study as a design. Secondary data and primary data from interviews were collected and analyzed. The results reveal that these groups effectively mobilized their supporters around ethnic identities and eroded state authority and deepened societal division. The state's capacity, particularly in promoting sovereignty, has been significantly weakened. Popular sovereignty has been undermined, especially with the suspension of local elections, and the majority of territories are now controlled by NSAG. Moreover, the state has been unable to provide essential public services, leading to a decline in public trust, which signals a fragile political reality. To solve Ethiopia’s crises, the government must prioritize inclusive dialogue, decentralization of power, and transparent investigations into rights abuses to restore trust and reduce marginalization. International mediation and support for local governance are vital to foster accountability, reconciliation, and lasting peace.

Keywords: Non-state armed groups, state-society relations, legitimacy

Endalkachew’s Cabinet: Attempted reforms towards Constitutional Monarchy in Ethiopia (28 February-22 July, 1974)

2025-08-27T09:14:12+02:00

The objective of this article is to study Lej Endalkachew Mekonnen’s (herein after Endalkachew) cabinet which lasted between February 28 and July 22, 1974. The formation of the Cabinet and its activities already obtained official status since Endalkachew assumed his office on February 29 of the same year. No proper study has been attempted to fill a research gap on this topic as far as our knowledge goes. The methodology relies on qualitative data. Our sources have been tapped mainly from archives, magazines, manuscripts in private hands, Ethiopian press and oral testimonies. The findings suggest that there were several interventions from different corners due to the complex historical situation challenging Ethiopia and its imperial order. It also becomes apparent that the short-lived cabinet prepared the way for military intervened in the then Ethiopian politics. Even more clear is how the Cabinet forged an alliance with the Military Coordinating Committee led by Colonel Alem Zewd TesemmaTäsämma from April 24 to July 22, 1974. Last but not least this article describes the way the created alliances functioned in that confusing moment as well as how the gradual power erosion prepared the way for the cabinet’s demise.-

Key words: Ethiopia, Endalkachew, Cabinet, Military, Constitutional Monarchy, Commission of Inquiry