Post Graduate Program: LLM in Constitutional law

Course Title: State Constitutions and Local Government

Term Paper on
"The Re-Establishment of Zone Administrations in Amhara
Regional State: Current Practices and Challenges."

Prepared by Ermiyas Fekede

To: Instructor Ayana Simachew (Assistant Professor of Law)

DESSIE, ETHIOPIA

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Abstract
There is unprecedented interest in decentralized systems of governance in many African
and other developing states.1 A number of them have established constitutionally entrenched
system of local governance.2 Various forces and desires drive the decentralization programs
of the states. The existence of local governments is crucial for community development,
effective delivery of public services, democratization and intensification of mass
participation to which well-structured and functional Local Governments are needed. The
purpose of this term paper is to explore the current practices and challenges under the re-
establishment of zone administrations in Amhara Regional State. Since the administration of
the Amhara National Regional State was organized as one of the regional state of the
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the number of zonal administrations has been
increasing from time to time. Particularly, the Amhara Regional Council announced that the
Amhara Regional Council passed a decision to divide the West Gojam and South Wollo
zones into two different zonal administrations.3 I used different primary sources (interviews
and observations) and secondary documents such as federal and regional constitutions,
proclamations, regulations, local development plans, official performance reports, article
journals, theses and magazines to make this term paper. The study revealed that, the status
and the functions of Zonal administration are not clearly mentioned/defined in the Ethiopian
Federal State Structure and also under Amhara regional state constitutions. And also, the
FDRE constitution does not clearly stipulate specific functional competences of Local
Government except by providing generally that regional states should transfer adequate
power to it. Neither the Federal constitution nor the Amhara Regional State constitution have
set clear standards/conditions for how and in what manner zonal administrations will be
established or re-established. Restructuring of local government without conducting the
necessary study and long term impacts is the other common practice in Ethiopia as well as in
Amhara Regional State. This term paper also investigated the challenges that occur and may
occur in the re-establishment of zone administrations in Amhara Regional State, especially
re-establishment of the current West Gojam and South Wollo Administrative Zones.
Accordingly, the lack of clear legal frameworks, politicizing the restructuring effort and
inadequate human and material resources are among the challenges may observe after the
commencement of the re-establishing measure.

1
Zemelak Ayele, 'Local government in Ethiopia: Adequately Empowered?' (LL.M thesis, University of the Western
Cape 2008) 4
2
World Bank, 'World Development Report 1999/2000: Entering the 21st Century', (Oxford University Press, 1999)
< https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/5982 > accessed 10 December 2022, 107
3
Almnew Mekonen, Mantegaftot Sleshi and Wagaye Legas, 'አዳዲስ ዞኖች በምዕራብ ጎጃምና ደቡብ ወሎ' Deutsche Welle
(DW) (Germany, 23 August 2022) < https://p.dw.com/p/4Fvbt> accessed 10 December 2022

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 Table of Contents
Abstract ........................................................................................................................................ i
CHAPTER ONE ............................................................................................................................. 1
AN OVERVIEW THE CONCEPTS OF DECENTRALIZATION ............................................... 1
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 1
1.1. Definitions and Concepts of Decentralization ..................................................................... 1
1.2. Dimensions of Decentralization ........................................................................................... 2
1.2.1. Political/Administrative Decentralization ......................................................................... 2
1.2.2. Fiscal Decentralization ...................................................................................................... 3
1.2.3. Economic Decentralization ............................................................................................... 3
1.3. Forms of Decentralization .................................................................................................... 3
1.3.1. De-concentration ............................................................................................................... 3
1.3.2. Delegation ......................................................................................................................... 4
1.3.3. Devolution ......................................................................................................................... 4
1.3.4. Privatization and Deregulation .......................................................................................... 4
CHAPTER TWO ............................................................................................................................ 5
DECENTRALIZATION UNDER ETHIOPIA CONSTRUCTION .............................................. 5
2. Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 5
2.1. Decentralization during the Emperor Haile Selassie I (1930-1974) .................................... 5
2.2. Decentralization during the Dergue Regime (1974-1991) ................................................... 6
2.3. Decentralization during FDRE Regime (1991-till the present) ........................................... 7
CHAPTER THREE ........................................................................................................................ 9
THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONE ADMINISTRATIONS IN AMHARA REGIONAL
STATE: CURRENT PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES ............................................................ 9
3. Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 9
3.1. The Re-Establishment of Zone Administrations under the FDRE and ANRS Constitution 9
3.2. The Re-Establishment of Zone Administrations under the ANRS Constitution ............... 10
3.3. Local Government Structures in Amhara Regional State .................................................. 11
3.3.1. Zonal Administration ...................................................................................................... 11
3.3.2. Woreda Administration ................................................................................................... 12
3.3.3. Kebele Administration .................................................................................................... 12
3.4. The Re-establishment of Zone Administrations in Amhara Regional State: Current
Practices .................................................................................................................................... 12
3.4.1. Motives for the Re-establishment of Zone Administrations in Amhara Regional State . 13
3.4.1.1. Administrative Convenience ........................................................................................ 14
3.4.1.2. Providing Public Services with Proximity ................................................................... 14
3.4.1.3. Mobilizing Local Resources for Development ............................................................ 15
3.5. Challenges for the Re-establishment of Zone Administrations in Amhara Regional State 15
3.5.1. The Lack of Clear Legal Frameworks............................................................................. 16
3.5.2. Politicizing the Re-establishment Effort ......................................................................... 17
3.5.3. Inadequate Human Power and Resource Inputs .............................................................. 17
Conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 18
Bibliography ................................................................................................................................ ii

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 CHAPTER ONE
AN OVERVIEW THE CONCEPTS OF DECENTRALIZATION
1. Introduction
There is unprecedented interest in decentralized systems of governance in many African and
other developing states.4 A number of them have established constitutionally entrenched system
of local governance.5 According to scholars who have done many studies and researches in this
field of law, there are many reasons and driving forces that have led many countries of the world
to go to decentralization programs. These reasons and driving forces can generally be classified
into three main categories. The first reason is to enhance democratic system and public
participation and the recognition that decentralization is favorable for achieving this objective.
The second driving force is the urgency to improve the living standard of the population of the
developing states and the conviction that decentralization can bring development. The last and
third reason is related to maintain peace and that is the urgency to accommodate diversity with a
view to maintain a lasting peace.

In this part of the term paper, I will explore the topics of definitions and concepts of
Decentralization, dimensions of Decentralization and forms of Decentralization in depth and
separately.

1.1. Definitions and Concepts of Decentralization

Throughout the world today there are movements towards decentralization. At the same time,
however, the meaning and the essence of decentralization is still subjected to debate. Despite the
existence of different theories about the concept of decentralization, it differs among scholars.
For instance, to the public finance economist, decentralization usually means fiscal
decentralization.6 Reforming the intergovernmental fiscal system is usually the first priority. To
the political scientist, decentralization usually means a set of policy issues, a focus on who has
authority and responsibility. The political scientist tends to focus on the structure of power and
authority and how it is wielded. To the institutional economist, decentralization usually involves
getting an incentive system in place so that individual behavior meets expectations. To the
sociologist, decentralization usually means participation, and the role of informal organizations
and community groups is a major focal point. The urban planner or economist may stress yet
element decentralization as a strategy for enhancing local economic development. Finally, the
civil society expert sees decentralization as a path to democratic local governance.

An attempt to review the literature on the concept of decentralization reveals the following.

4
Ayele, 'Local government in Ethiopia: Adequately Empowered?' (n 1) 4.
5
World Bank (n 2)
6
Camille Cates Barnett, Henry P. Minis and Jerry VanSant, 'Democratic Decentralization' (1997) Research Triangle
Institute 2

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According to Mawhood, decentralization is understood as sharing of part of governmental power
by a central ruling group with other groups, each having authority within a specific area of the
state.7 The fundamental areas in the decentralization are power, authority and responsibility.8
Tegegne and Kassahun also defined decentralization as the transfer of legal and political
authority from a central government and its affiliates to sub- national units of government in the
process of making decisions and managing public functions.9 It is a process through which
authority and responsibility for public functions is transferred from central government to local
government.

The most comprehensive and accepted by most legal scholars definition of decentralization is
given by Rondinelli, who defines decentralization as: the transfer or delegation of legal; and
political authority to plan, make decisions and manage public functions from central government
and its agencies to subordinate units of government, semi-autonomous public corporations, area
wide or regional development authorities; functional authorities, autonomous local government
or non-governmental organizations.10

1.2. Dimensions of Decentralization

Some researchers have identified major dimensions of decentralization namely political/
administrative, fiscal and economic decentralization.11 These concepts are explained as follows:

1.2.1. Political/Administrative Decentralization

Political decentralization- is the transfer of authority to regional Councils or local authorities it
requires Constitutional and statutory reforms, the development of pluralistic political parties, the
strengthening of legislatives, creation of local political units and encouragement of effective
public interest group.12

Administrative decentralization- is the transfer of responsibility for planning, financing and

managing certain public functions from central government and its agencies to field units of
government agencies subordinate units or level of government, semi-autonomous public
authorities or co-operations or area wide, regional or functional authorities.

7
Philip Mawhood, Local government in the third world: The experience of decentralization in tropical Africa (2 nd
edn, Africa Institute of South Africa 1993) 18
8
ibid
9
Tegene Gebre-Egziabher and Kassahun Berhanu, 'The role of decentralized governance in building local
institutions, diffusing ethnic conflicts, and alleviating poverty in Ethiopia' [2004] 25(1) Regional Development
Dialogue 36
10
Dennis A. Rondinelli, James S. McCullough and Ronald W. Johnson, Analyzing Decentralization policies in
Developing Countries: A Political Economy Framework [1989] 20(1) Development and Change 137
11
Miles M. Turner and David Hulme, Governance, administration and development: Making the state work (1 st
edn, Macmillan Press LTD, 1997) 152-155
12
Daniel Treisman, 'Defining and Measuring Decentralization: A Global Perspective' (2002) Department of Political
Science University of California 3

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In Ethiopia the administrative and governance structure of regions or states were organized in a
manner that resembles organizational machinery of the state at the federal level, councils as
legislative bodies were established based on periodic elections outcomes whereby those who got
the majority of votes in their respective constituencies qualify as council members. These are
unicameral legislatures known as State and Woreda Councils instituted regional and local levels
respectively.13

1.2.2. Fiscal Decentralization

Fiscal decentralization concerns the way tax revenues and public expenditures are distributed
among the different tires of government.14 The degree of decentralization is the extent of
independent decision-making by the various arms of the government in the provision of social
and economic services. It connotes the degree of autonomy of state and local governments in
carrying out various economic tasks.

1.2.3. Economic Decentralization

Economists justify decentralization on the ground of allocate efficiency. Their rational is that,
decisions about public expenditure that are made by a level of government that is closer and
more responsive to a local constituency are more likely to reflect the demand for local services
than decisions made by a remote central government. 15 This is essential in the quest for
eradication of poverty, achievement of sustainable and truly sustained economic growth and
ensuring a realistic integration of the region into the global economy.16

1.3. Forms of Decentralization

There are also different forms in which decentralization can be achieved, namely de-
concentration, delegation, devolution, privatization and de-regulation.

1.3.1. De-concentration
De-concentration involves central agencies assigning certain functions to lower branch offices or
intra-organizational transfer of responsibilities.17 On the other hand, de-concentration is an
administrative type of decentralization where the central government has undertaken some of its
responsibilities through regional or local sectorial offices. This form of decentralization occurs
when central government disperses or transfers responsibilities and services to its regional or
local branch offices or local governments.18 Therefore, administrative and management

13
Gebre-Egziabher and Berhanu (n 9).
14
Abebaw Bekele, 'The Significance of Democratic Decentralization the case of Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia'
(Master thesis, Indira Gandhi National Open University 2015) 13
15
ibid 14.
16
UN-HABITAT, The Global Campaign on Urban Governance; Concept Paper (2nd edn, HS/650/02E, 2002) 9
17
Ladipo Adamolekun, 'Human Resource Management' in Ladipo Adamokeun (eds), Public Administration in
Africa: Main Issues and Selected Country Studies (Spectrum Books LTD, 2002) 27
18
Turner and Hulme (n 11).

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responsibility is handed over to sub- national units or branch sectorial offices from the sector
ministries or agencies at central level.

1.3.2. Delegation
Delegation refers to a situation where decision-making and administrative authority and
responsibility for definite tasks are transferred from a Centre to an autonomous sub-national
unit.19 The central government defines the powers which are to be transferred. It also puts
conditions under which the delegated powers are exercised. Moreover, the Centre can take back
the powers which are so transferred through delegation.20 Yet, the sub-national government is
viewed as an autonomous entity. Hence, it is left with a wide range of discretion in the exercising
of the powers and responsibilities transferred to it.21 The relationship of the central government
and the sub-national government which is entrusted with delegated powers is characterized as a
„principal-agent relationship‟. Therefore, the central government bears the ultimate responsibility
for the decisions of the local unit.

1.3.3. Devolution
Devolution refers to a situation where a local level government is constituted legally as a
„separate governance body‟22 and those powers and responsibilities are transferred to such unit
on permanent basis.23 This form of decentralization is referred to as “genuine decentralization.”
Devolution implies the autonomy of the lower level unit. The lower level unit has distinct and
legally recognized geographical boundaries and legal personality. 24 The powers and
responsibilities are transferred to it through constitutional or other similar legislative
instruments.25

1.3.4. Privatization and Deregulation

The most complete forms of decentralization from government's perspective are privatization
and deregulation; they shift responsibility for functions from the public to the private sectors. 26
Thus, allowing the primarily functions or exclusively the responsibility of government to carry
out by business community, groups, co-operatives, private voluntary associations and other non-
governmental organizations.27

19
Jaap De Visser, Developmental local government: A case study of South Africa (1st edn, Intersentia 2004) 14
20
ibid
21
ibid
22
James Manor, The Political economy of democratic decentralization (1st edn, World Bank 1999) 6
23
Visser (n 19) 15.
24
Dele Olowu, 'Decentralization policies and practices under structural adjustment and democratization in Africa'
(Democracy, Governance and Human Rights Programme Paper Number 4, United Nations Research Institute for
Social Development 2001) 3
25
ibid
26
UN-HABITAT (n 16).
27
Bekele (n 14) 17.

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 CHAPTER TWO
DECENTRALIZATION UNDER ETHIOPIA CONSTRUCTION
2. Introduction
As historians study discovery, Ethiopia‟s origin as a state goes back to the Axumite civilization
which arose in the northern part of the country around the 10th century BC.28 Looking back at
the government systems of our country form the time of the Axumite civilization till the 1850s
decentralized rule was once the dominant characteristic of the country‟s political system, which
was manifested in the existence of triple authorities.

In this part of the term paper, I will take a closer look at the decentralization under the three
constitutions of Ethiopia, especially decentralization during the Emperor Haile Selassie I (1930-
1974), decentralization during the Dergue Regime (1974-1991) and decentralization during the
EDRE Regime (1991-till the present) will be explored

2.1. Decentralization during the Emperor Haile Selassie I (1930-1974)

The Ethiopian state under the emperor was unitary and centralized.29 Haile Selassie had crafted
political structures that brought the country increasingly under centralized control.30 Unlike his
predecessors, the Emperor used formal mechanism to centralize his power and the first written
constitution introduced in 1931 has in part served as an instrument to extend his absolute power
over the central provincial and local governments. It also ended unequivocally the autonomy of
the nobilities and the provincial governors.31

Though not genuine, there were various decentralization efforts during the period. These include
the administrative decentralization enacted in 1942, which created three sub-central levels of
government known as taklay gizat, awraja, and woreda, mainly to facilitate central
administration in performing the functions of local government at lower levels. Each teklay gizat
(province) was divided into awraja ghizat and, woreda ghizat and also the less common mikitil
woreda.32

Before this reform the country was divided into ghizat (province) and into a number of awrja
(districts). These three tiered local governance system proclaimed through decree No 1/1942 and
decree No 6/42 was uniform across the land. The power of local governments was, nevertheless,
28
John Markakis, Ethiopia: Anatomy of a Traditional Polity (8 th edn, Shama Books 2006) 27. Also see, Teshale
Tibebu, The Making of Modern Ethiopia 1896-1974 (1st edn, The Red Sea Press Inc 1995) xvii
29
Muhammad Habib, The Ethiopian Federal System: the Formative Stage. Forum of Democracy and Federalism
(Abdulkader Mohammed Yusuf ed, 2nd edn, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung 2011) 3
30
Tyler Dickovick and Tegegne Gebre-Egziabher, 'Comparative Assessment of Decentralization in Africa: Ethiopia
Desk Study' in USAID, Comparative Assessment of Decentralization in Africa: Final Report and Summary of
Findings (2010) 2
31
Zemelak Ayitenew Ayele, 'Local Government in Ethiopia: Still an Apparatus of Control?' (2011) 15(1) African
Journals Online < https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ldd/article/view/70804> accessed 8 December 2022, 20
32
Habib (n 29) 2-3.

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limited to discharging administrative responsibilities such as collecting taxes and maintaining
law and order.33 Moreover, devolution of some responsibilities by the central government to the
local governments was not accompanied by provision of adequate financial and human resources
necessary to carry out their responsibilities. Thus, it could be safely said that decentralization
with the objective of empowering citizens and devolving power was not exercised during the
Haile Selassie regime.34

2.2. Decentralization during the Dergue Regime (1974-1991)

Immediately after the Dergue regime assumed power in 1974, it took serious of major policy
initiatives. The Provisional Military Administration Council (PMAC) introduced the policy of
nationalization of rural and urban land and extra urban houses was put in place by issuing
proclamation No. 47/1975.35 Dergue under PMAC and Peoples Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
(1987-1991) took three actions regarding decentralization of the republic: The first attempt of
decentralization was the establishment of Peasant association (PA) in rural kebele and Urban
Dwellers Associations (UDA) in urban areas as lowest local administrative units.36

The other unsuccessful decentralization attempts were made in 1987 following the foundation of
the Peoples‟ Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (PDRE) in order to address the then nationality
questions. The regime tried to curtailed and cool down the political pressure through awarding
some kind of autonomy to those areas which resist the regime ferociously. Consequently, the
Asseb, Eritrea, Ogaden, Dire Dawa and Tigrai areas, which were characterized as politically
unstable areas waging arm struggle either for genuine autonomy or secession were preferred to
be autonomous regions (PDRE constitution, 1987).

It was therefore, clear that decentralization was not the regime‟s policy priority to devolve power
down to the regions, but instead it was the reaction for the then political pressure (the problems
of ethnic uprising and political instability). As a result, the Dergue regime was failed to
established genuine decentralized government, and was not able to address important issues such
as fiscal decentralization and peoples‟ power to decide their own social and economic affairs. In
addition, the regions were compelled to implement the centrally designed policies and directives
but had no power to legislate their own law and policies for their own jurisdiction without the
permission of the center. 37

33
Ayele, 'Local Government in Ethiopia: Still an Apparatus of Control?' (n 31) ibid.
34
Dickovick and Gebre-Egziabher (n 30) 12.
35
Proclamation No. 47/1975, Government Ownership of Urban Lands and Extra Houses Proclamation, Negarit
Gazeta, 1st Year, No. 41, Addis Ababa, 26 July 1975.
36
Alene Agegnehu and Worku Dibu, 'The Genesis of Decentralization in Ethiopia: An
Overview' [2015] 40(1) Journal of Law, Policy and Globalization 24
37
ibid

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2.3. Decentralization during FDRE Regime (1991-till the present)
The Derg‟s tyrannical rule was brought to an end when nationalist insurgent groups led by the
EPRDF took control of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, on 28 May 1991, after two decades
of horrendous civil war. Shortly after controlling Addis Ababa the EPRDF, with the other
nationalist movements, convened “the Peaceful and Democratic Transitional Conference of
Ethiopia”.38 The Conference adopted a “Transitional Period Charter” (TPC) that served as a
constitution until the promulgation of the 1995 Constitution. The TPC recognized the right to
self-determination of each ethnic group of the country. It also authorized each ethnic group to
establish self-government starting from woreda (district) level.39 By so doing the TPC began the
first phase of the decentralization process in the country. This phase of the decentralization
process came to an end in 1995 when the current Constitution was promulgated which
introduced an ethnic-based federal system to Ethiopia.40 The second phase decentralization i.e.
local decentralization began only in 2001; even though the foundation for local decentralization
was already laid in the 1995 Constitution.41

The second wave of decentralization, commonly known as “Woreda or District level

decentralization42”, was put in practice since 2002. Regional governments have devolved powers
from the region to Zonal (though it has no constitutional base in all regions), Woreda and Kebele
levels of governments. The objective of this wave of decentralization is to make the government
closer to the people so as to improve service delivery, to have more participatory governance,
and to promote economic development at grass root level.43 The pace of Woreda decentralization
however, was took place in two steps based on wait and see approach. The four regions which
are the most populous and relatively developed regions, namely Tigray, Amhara, Oromo and
SNNP, as compared to the newly emerged regions, have conducted Woreda level
decentralization earlier than the remaining regions aimed at enabling Woredas to take primary

38
Edmond J. Keller, 'The Revolutionary Transformation of Ethiopia's Twentieth-Century Bureaucratic Empire'
[2008] 19(2) The Journal of Modern African Studies 307, 327
39
Charter No 1/1991, The Transitional Period Charter of Ethiopia, Peaceful and Democratic Transitional
Conference of Ethiopia Negarit Gazeta, 50 th Year, No. 1, Addis Ababa, 22 July 1991 (hereinafter Transitional
Period Charter of Ethiopia), Preamble
40
Among eleven Regional States, nine states are those listed under Art.47 (1) of the FDRE Constitution: namely,
The State of Tigray, The State of Afar, The State of Amhara, The State of Oromia, The State of Somali, The State of
Benshangul/Gumuz, The State of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples, The State of Gambela Peoples
and The State of the Harari People. The Sidama National Regional State and the Southwest Ethiopia Peoples'
Regional State have recently been established as new Regional States. Also see Assefa Fiseha, Federalism and the
accommodation of diversity in Ethiopia: A comparative study (2nd edn, Wolf Legal Publishers 2007) 213, What we
should remember here is that Sidama region, Southwest Ethiopia region is currently in operation and soon it is in the
process of establishing Central Ethiopia region.
41
Ayele, 'Local government in Ethiopia: Still an Apparatus of Control?' (n 31) 10.
42
The term „Woreda-in Amharic‟ and „District-in English‟ use interchangeably throughout this term paper.
43
UN-HABITAT, Local democracy and decentralization in East and Southern Africa: Experiences from Uganda,
Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania and Ethiopia (A publication of Global Campaign on Urban Governance, ISBN: 92-1-
131666-9, 2002) 89. Also see, Enadwke Tsegaw, Fiscal Federalism (Teaching Material: Prepared under the
Sponsorship of the Justice and Legal System Research Institute 2009) 58

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responsibility for the delivery of basic services with block grants being given directly to them.44
And the remaining state and the two urban municipalities (Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa) then
followed such decentralization process in the succeeding years.45 With a declared intention of
implementing this policy, the regional states amended their constitutions one after the other
starting from 2001. The regional states also enacted statutes to restructure their urban local
governance system in line with the policy.

The rationale behind the program; it is aimed at ensuring good governance by promoting
participatory governance, efficient and effective service delivery.46 District level decentralization
program has the objective of promoting good governance by making strong government, which
is capable of making decisions, closer to the local people. As government which is capable of
decision making is closer to the people, the more it becomes transparent, responsible,
participatory, accountable and efficient and effect. This happened because of two factors; one, as
it closes to the people the people would have monitoring and controlling capacity on the local
government, two, as the government closes to the people with substantive power, resource and
responsibility, it would be easy for it to be transparent, accountable, responsible, participatory
and effective and efficient.47

Nonetheless, as it is argued here, an overall observation of the constitutional and legal

framework regulating local government reveals that local government is not adequately
institutionalized to exist as an autonomous level of government. Indeed, to the contrary, some
explicit and implicit provisions in the regional constitutions and statutes render local government
a subsidiary structure whose function is limited to implementing centrally adopted policies.
Moreover, due to inadequate finance, not only is the responsiveness of local government to local
priorities stifled, but local authorities are also forced to resort to the age-old tradition of
extracting contribution from local people in cash, in kind and labour.

44
Agegnehu and Dibu (n 35) 25.
45
Dickovick and Gebre-Egziabher (n 34).
46
Dickovick and Gebre-Egziabher (n 34) 19.
47
Besfat Dejen, 'Assessment of the Process of Decentralization and District Level Decentralization in Ethiopia: the
Case of Amhara National Regional State' [2018] 4(7) Journal for Studies in Management and Planning 95, 96

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 CHAPTER THREE
THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONE ADMINISTRATIONS IN AMHARA
REGIONAL STATE: CURRENT PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES
3. Introduction
Since the administration of the Amhara National Regional State was organized as one of the
regional state of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the number of zonal
administrations has been increasing from time to time. For example, Regulation No. 78/2010
established only 10 zonal administrations in the region,48 and currently there are 22 functional
zonal administrations in the region. The Former North Gondar Administrative Zone has been
restructured into three different zonal administrations, namely Central Gondar, North Gondar
and West Gondar administrative zones, Bahir Dar Special Zone, Dessie Special Zone,
Kombolcha Special Zone, Woldia Special Zone, Debre Tabor Special Zone, Debre Markos
Special Zone and other special zonal administrations has recently been re-established by the
Amhara Regional State.

In addition to the zonal administrations re-established by the Amhara National Regional State, as
I have explained above, two months ago the Amhara Regional Council announced that the
Amhara Regional Council passed a decision to divide the West Gojam and South Wollo zones
into two different zonal administrations. Mr. Amare Sete (the deputy speaker of the Amhara
Regional Council ), told Deutsche Welle (DW) that the need to split the two zones was due to the
people's request, and he pointed out that most of the districts that were under the South Wolo
zone were included in the newly organized zone. He said that 7 districts and 3 city
administrations were formed separately from the existing West Gojam as North Gojam. 49 The
Council of Government gave a positive response to the request to divide the new zones, but a
recent letter from the Head of Government's office indicated that the newly organized zones
should be a preparatory phase in 2015 E.C and be fully operational in 2016 E.C.50

3.1. The Re-Establishment of Zone Administrations under the FDRE and ANRS Constitution
The 1995 Constitution provides for the establishment of two types of sub-regional government.
Article 39(3) implicitly provides for the establishment of autonomous sub-regional territorial
units which are meant to accommodate intra-regional ethnic minorities.51 Also article 50(4) of

48
Namely, Awi, East Gojjam, North Gondar, North Shewa, North Wollo, Oromo, South Gondar, South Wollo, Wag
Hemra and West Gojjam. Regulation No. 78/2010, The Revised Zonal Administrative Reestablishment and
Determination of Powers and Duties Council of Regional Government, Zikere Hig of the Council of Amhara
National Regional State in Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, 16st Year, No. 12, Bahir Dar, 12th November
2001 (hereinafter, Regulation No. 78/2010) art 3
49
Mekonen, Sleshi and Legas (n 3).
50
ibid
51
The establishment of sub-regional government which is envisaged under Art 39(3) is based on the constitutional
principle that recognizes the right self-determination and self-government of each ethnic group. As this right is not
necessarily to be exercised through the establishment of a regional government, the Constitution intends to
accommodate regional ethnic minorities by providing them with territorial autonomy at sub-regional level. Hence

9|Page
the Constitution prescribes to the regional states how to establish and adequately empower local
government. What is envisaged under article 50(4) of the Constitution is a regular type of local
government which was to be established on a wall-to-wall basis with the object of enhancing
public participation. Thus, the sub-regional governments which are envisaged under article 39(3)
and 50(4) differ from each other both in object and structure.

Even if zonal administrations are not recognized by the regional constitutions except the Oromia
regional state constitution, they are necessary administrative hierarchies in most regional states. 52
They can be formed by the regional states as levels of administration linking the regional
government and the districts. In most cases, this level of administration is responsible for serving
as sub-regional administrative structure and coordinating and watching over the functions of
woreda administrations.53

3.2. The Re-Establishment of Zone Administrations under the ANRS Constitution

The Amhara regional state constitution states in Article 45 (1) "The Regional State is
hierarchically structured in such a way as to comprise the Regional, Woreda and Kebele
administrative units" that there are three local government administrations in the region. In
addition to these three, the administrative hierarchies of the regional state, urban centers within
the regional state may have their own councils with the view to enhancing their development.54

The ANRS constitution states in Articles 45 (1) and 49 (3) (3.2) that the regional council has the
authority to establish additional administrative levels or autonomous areas in the region, taking
into account the population, the size of the region and the socio-economic activities, when
deemed necessary. Accordingly, it is the regional council that has the power to establish
additional administrative hierarchies or autonomous areas from the three local government
administrations (the Regional, Woreda and Kebele administrative units) described in Article 45
(1) in the Amhara region. Based on the article of the constitution, it is the regional council that
has the authority to establish or re-establish the zonal administration units in the region.

Amongst the many powers and duties given to the Council of the Regional Government under
Article 58, the power to looks into and decides on those questions of territorial allotment or

this type of local government is intended to be established only where regional ethnic minorities are found and in
accordance with their geographical settlement structure. Accordingly five regional states have established special
zones and special districts to provide territorial autonomy to the ethnic minorities that are found within their
jurisdiction.
52
Agegnehu and Dibu (n 35) 24. Also see, Zemelak Ayele Ayitenew and Yonatan Fessha Tesfaye, 'The
Constitutional Status of Local Government in Federal Systems: The Case of Ethiopia' [2012] 58(4) Africa Today 88,
101
53
Berhanu Balcha Gutema, 'Restructuring the State and Society: Ethnic Federalism in Ethiopia' (PhD thesis,
Aalborg University 2007) 28. Also see, Fenta Mandefro, 'Decentralization in post Derg Ethiopia: Aspect of
Federal/Regional Relations' (Master theses, Addis Ababa University 1998) 21
54
Proclamation No. 59/2001, The Revised Constitution of the Amhara National Regional State, Zikere Hig of the
Council of Amhara National Regional State in Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, 7st Year, No. 2, Bahir Dar,
5th November 2001 (hereinafter ANRS Constitution), art 45(4).

10 | P a g e
rectification submitted to it by the woredas and kebeles with in the regional state without
prejudice to the powers conferred upon the Regional Council under the provisions of Article 45
(1) and Article 49 (3) (3.2) of the regional state constitution.55 At the same time, the head of
regional government has the power to establish official agencies of administrative areas as well
as appoint administrators and other branch office heads empowered to represent the regional
government and render an all-out support to the Woredas, in places selected having regard to
their needs and requirements, outside the territorial limit of the Nationality Administrations.56

Accordingly, the Council of the Regional Government of the Amhara National Regional State,
pursuant to the power vested in it under the provision of Article 60 (3) (h) and Article 58 (7) of
the revised National Regional Constitution, issues regulation no 78/2010.57 Based on Article 3
(2) of this regulation the Zonal Administratives carry out their functions on behalf of the regional
government and their accountability being to the council and head of the regional government.

Based on this, the zonal administrations in the Amhara regional state are not independent local
government administrations but they work on behalf of the regional government. So, Zonal
Administrations are the agents of regional government.

3.3. Local Government Structures in Amhara Regional State

Based on this constitutional provision, the regional governments have established local
governments in a way that fits their specific circumstances. Accordingly, Heterogeneous states
have formed Zones or special Districts on ethnic bases whereas relatively homogenous states
established District governments.58 The powers and functions of Local Governments (includes
Zonal, District and kebele) therefore, derive from the states‟ functions and powers.59
Accordingly, the revised constitutions of Amhara regional state has been arranged its
administration sphere in to nationality administrations, District and Kebele level. The Awi,
Himra, and Oromo people are recognized as nationality Zonal administrations.60 Hence,
currently there are 22 functional zonal administrations namely, Awi, East Gojjam, North
Gondar, North Shewa, North Wollo, Oromo, South Gondar, South Wollo, Wag Hemra, West
Gojjam and one special zone, Bahir Dar; each is further divided into “Woreda” (administrative
community).61

3.3.1. Zonal Administration

55
ANRS Revised Constitution, art 58(3).
56
ANRS Revised Constitution, art 60(3)(h).
57
Regulation No. 78/2010
58
Dejen (n 46).
59
ibid
60
ANRS Constitution), art 45(2).
61
Amhara Regional State is divided into 11 zones, and 167 woredas (districts). There are about 3,429 kebeles (the
smallest administrative units).

11 | P a g e
Zonal administration is the second order of administration next to the regional state. It is an
administrative structure higher than the woreda/district administration and lower than the
regional state. There are some regional variations regarding to the mandates, legitimacy and
functions of zonal administrations. The creation of zones is based on considering administration
convenience, population size and settlement pattern while minority ethnic groups within these
regional states are exceptionally established at nationality zone and special woreda levels. 62 For
example, in Amhara three minority nationalities, namely, Awi, Waghimra and Oromia have
formed their own government at zone level.63

3.3.2. Woreda Administration

As a result of decentralization effort Woredas have been given powers and functions since the
launch of district level decentralization program in 2002. The program came to effect after a
decade when decentralization was promulgated by the proclamation no.7/ 199264 whereby the
state has devolved powers and functions to regional states. In line with the 2002 district level
decentralization, the ANRs have specified the powers and functions of woreda administration.
Accordingly, the ANRs constitution in chapter 9 from article 83-95, illustrates the authorities, the
powers and functions of the woreda administrations in well manner.

3.3.3. Kebele Administration

“Kebele” administration is the lowest unit of government in the hierarchical structure of the
government. The ANRs constitution in its article 96 assured that the kebele administration, while
being the lowest administrative hierarchy of the regional state, is accountable to its embracing
urban and or woreda administration. In the same article, sub article 2 the structural organs of
kebele administration are specified by the constitution of Amhara regional state.

3.4. The Re-establishment of Zone Administrations in Amhara Regional State: Current Practices
As I have explained extensively in the above part of this term paper, the status and the functions
of Zonal administration are not clearly mentioned/ defined in the Ethiopian Federal State
Structure and under Amhara regional state constitutions. And also, the FDRE constitution does
not clearly stipulate specific functional competences of Local Government except by providing
generally that regional states should transfer adequate power to it. Neither the Federal
constitution nor the Amhara Regional State constitution have set clear standards/conditions for
how and in what manner zonal administrations will be established or re-established.
Restructuring of local government without conducting the necessary study and long term impacts
is the other common practice in Ethiopia as well as in Amhara Regional State.

62
Agegnehu and Dibu (n 35) 24. Also see, Ayele and Fessha, 'The Constitutional Status of Local Government in
Federal Systems: The Case of Ethiopia' (n 51).
63
ANRS Revised Constitution, art 45(2).
64
Proclamation No. 7/1992, A Proclamation to Provide for the Establishment of National/Regional Self-
governments, Negarit Gazeta of the Transitional Government of Ethiopia, 51st Year, No. 2, Addis Ababa, 14
January 1992.

12 | P a g e
Therefore, there is no clear legal framework for the establishment or re-establishing of a new
zonal administration in the region, so the practice of the region shows that the situation of re-
establishing a zonal administration is a political decision.

3.4.1. Motives for the Re-establishment of Zone Administrations in Amhara Regional State
The motives behind the transfer of functions of the state to the lower levels of government can be
either politically or economically driven.65 Economically, it may be driven because of the poor
performance of the central government in administrating community development. Having a
better understanding about local problems and preferences, Local Government s unlike to the
Central Government can be more effective in the distribution and utilization of government
spending and resources. The transfer of functions of the state can also be politically motivated
when the Central Government fails to insure democratic values and centralized system results
unchecked power.66 In the meantime, transferring powers and responsibilities of the government
to the sub-national units helps to foster socio-economic development, public participation,
delivery of social services, accountability and transparency.67

In the preamble of regulation No. 78/2010, it states the driving motives for establishing or re-
establishing administrations for zonal administrations as follows.

"Whereas, it has been found out to be appropriate to set up hierarchical administrative

structures that render an all-out support to complete performance of those institutions
established and programs launched with the view to promote socio-economic
developmental activities and to rule over good governance, follow up in central manner
and handle matters beyond the capacity of the woredas, integrate and co-ordinate
developmental activities, being designated as agents of the regional government in
selected and identified areas of importance, taking in to account the territorial expanse
of the National Regional State, destiny of its population, and geographical features;

Whereas, it has, as a result of these organizations, become necessary to move forward

by creating a conducive and stable condition whereby an efficient and balanced
administrative service could be provided to the inhabitants on the regional state, rapid
economic and social development accomplished and sustainable beneficiary of the
population insured;"

65
Tadele Bikes, 'Restructuring Local Government in Ethiopia: The Case Study of Former North Gondar
Administrative Zone, Amhara National Regional State' (LL.M thesis, Bahir Dar University, Department of Political
Science and International Studies 2019) 56
66
ibid
67
Adam Matiko Charles, 'Decentralization by Devolution in Tanzania: Reflections on Water Service Delivery in the
Selected Wards of Ilala Municipality, Dar es Salaam' [2018] 8(2) Arabian Journal of Business and Management
Review 345, 357. Also see, William Muhumuza, 'Pitfalls of Decentralization Reforms in Transitional Societies: The
Case of Uganda' [2008] 33(4) African Development, Quarterly Journal of the Council for the Development of Social
Science Research, 59, 67

13 | P a g e
From this it can be understood that there are five reasons in total that are the driving motives for
re-establishing zonal administrations. And they are:-

 To monitor/follow up cases that are beyond the capacity of the Woredas in a centralized
manner;
 To organize, coordinate and accelerate social and economic development activities;
 To provide comprehensive support for the complete performance of institutions and
programs that are established to help achieve good governance;
 To provide efficient and balanced administrative services, and
 To create a comfortable and stable environment where accelerated social and economic
development can take place and ensure its lasting benefit to the people.

3.4.1.1. Administrative Convenience

The administration of Local Government can be reorganized for administrative convenience.
Local Governments have been widely understood as the closest level of government to the local
people from the stand point of administrative convenience. The government of a state may
rearrange its Local Government administration system when the territory of that Local
Government is too large to administer the socio-economic and political activities.68 The measure
of restructuring the Current West Gojam and South Wollo Administrative Zone by the Amhara
National Regional State will be related to the aforementioned reasons.69

Therefore, one of the main motives for restructuring the current West Gojam and South Wollo
Administrative Zone by the Amhara National Regional State is to create administrative
convenience. The Deputy Speaker of the Amhara Regional Council, Mr. Amare Sete, during his
interview with Deutsche Welle (DW), he stated that one of the reasons for the decision of the
Amhara Regional Council to divide the West Gojam and South Wolo zones into two is to create
administrative convenience for the citizens living in the zones.70

3.4.1.2. Providing Public Services with Proximity

According to the efficiency service theory the primary purpose of Local Government system is to
provide public services such as law and order, local needs, primary education and health,
sanitation and others efficiently.71

68
Acheoah Ofeh Augustine, 'Local Government: The Underutilized Governance Structure in Nigeria' [2018] 9(5)
Arts and Social Sciences Journal 412, 413
69
Mekonen, Sleshi and Legas (n 3).
70
ibid
71
Shamsuddin Bolatito and Dr. Siddig Balal Ibrahim, 'Challenges of Local Government Administration in Nigeria;
an Appraisal of Nigerian Experience' [2014] 3(7) International Journal of Science and Research 562, 566. Also see
Prof. Eric Eboh and Ito Diejomaoh, 'Local government in Nigeria: Relevance and effectiveness in poverty reduction
and economic development' [2010] 1(1) Journal of Economic and Sustainable Development 12, 22

14 | P a g e
As I understood from the interview I conducted with the chief administrator of Wogdie Woreda
and various residents of South Wolo zone, especially from the residents of Borena Woreda,
Lelangbo Woreda and Kelela Woreda which are expected to be integrated into West Wolo zone
Administration soon, the rationale for the restructuring of the current South Wollo administrative
zone in two local units was related to what the efficiency theory advocates. As Mr. Aweke (the
chief administrator of Wogdie Woreda) said, "The other motive behind the restructuring of the
South Wollo Administrative Zone in two local units is that the residents of the newly established
West Wollo administrative zone have to travel for 8 or more hours on a 190 or more kilometer
broken and inconvenient road to Dese City in order to get a public services, Therefore, it will be
possible to provide public services with proximity to the residents in the newly established West
Wollo administrative zone"72

3.4.1.3. Mobilizing Local Resources for Development

Another necessity of restructuring the current West Gojam and South Wollo Administrative
Zones by four local units will be for the purpose of mobilizing local resources for development.
Local Governments can play a paramount role in mobilizing resources that are necessary for
development. Local authorities provide the opportunities for local people to participate in local
decisions and local schemes within the general national policies and to act above all, as local
centers of initiatives to development. To this effect, it is the duty of Local Governments to work
in partnership with the Central Government in nation building and development through
mobilizing local resources. Moreover, Local Government constitutes reliable bases for the local
people to get better share in the national wealth. On this ground, the restructuring of the current
West Gojam and South Wollo Administrative Zones is vital for the development of agricultural
and natural resources in a better way.

According to the development theory, Local Governments serve as veritable partners with the
state and national government in national development issues as units of development by which
national development efforts, resources and benefits percolate to the grassroots.73

3.5. Challenges for the Re-establishment of Zone Administrations in Amhara Regional State
There is no Local Government unit globally without challenges. In Africa, most Local
Governments are faced by challenges that hamper the delivery of public services. For example
the South African Local Government Association has identified the ability to attract and retain
skilled staffs, financial constraints, inculcating a culture of efficient service delivery and good

72
Interview with Mr. Awoke, The Chief Administrator of Wogdie Woreda (Wogdie, Ethiopia 9 December 2022)
73
Dr. Chukwuemeka Emma, Ugwuanyi Bartholomew Ikechukwu and Ndubuisi Okolo Purity, 'Nigeria Local
Government: A Discourse on the Theoretical Imperatives in a Governmental System' [2014] 8(2) African Review
and International Multidisciplinary Journal 305, 309

15 | P a g e
working relationships between political and administrative leaderships with clear delineation of
their respective roles as its operational challenges.74

Following the restructuring of the current West Gojam and South Wollo Administrative Zones, it
is inevitable that there will be many challenges that may occur in the new local units. These
challenges are associated to wrong understanding of the restructuring process, unfit sector office
organization in the new Local Governments, inadequate human power and resource constraints.
These challenges were observed during the reorganization of the former north Gondar
administrative zone into three new local units.75

Based on the experiences of different countries that I have read and the many interviews that I
have done, I will provided in detail the challenges that may occur in the re-establishment of zone
administrations in Amhara Regional State, especially re-establishment of the current West
Gojam and South Wollo Administrative Zones as follows.

3.5.1. The Lack of Clear Legal Frameworks

The status and the functions of Zonal administration are not clearly mentioned/defined in the
Ethiopian Federal State Structure and under Amhara regional state constitutions. As a result, it is
observed that constitutional researchers and scholars are raising the question of constitutionality
in zonal administrations. Zonal administration is not stated as recognized level of Local
Government in revised Amhara regional state constitution. Instead, they are mostly considered
delegates of local administrations on behalf of the regional states. As a result, a lot of
constitutional scholars strongly argue that zonal administrations those currently existed under
Amhara regional state structure are unrecognized by the constitution of Amhara regional state,
since they are not recognized by the constitution they are unconstitutional regional state
structures.

The FDRE constitution does not clearly stipulate specific functional competences of Local
Government except by providing generally that regional states should transfer adequate power to
it. Neither the Federal constitution nor the Amhara Regional State constitution have set clear
standards/conditions for how and in what manner zonal administrations will be established or re-
established. Restructuring of local government without conducting the necessary study and long
term impacts is the other common practice in Ethiopia as well as in Amhara Regional State.
Delimitation of Local Government is highly centralized and predominantly a political decision
i.e. the power of reorganization and delimitation of zonal and district administration vests in the
hands of the regional states.

74
Madumo Onkgopotse Senatla, 'De-politicization of Service Delivery in Local Government Prospects for
Development in South Africa' [2016] 9(3) African Journal of Public Affairs 81, 88
75
Tadele Bikes (n 65) 65-70

16 | P a g e
The other one is the lack of clear division of power between the regional states and Local
Governments, especially between the regional states and the districts. As I mentioned the FDRE
constitution does not clearly stipulate specific functional competences of Local Government
except by providing generally that regional states should transfer adequate power to it. The Local
Government administration is also challenged by federal and state over intervention in the
responsibilities, leadership, structure, organization, poor funding etc. Still, critical problem in the
local administrations is manifested by low public participation. These and other challenges
facing Local Government administration have rendered it incapable of producing good
administration, development and low democratic dividends to the people at the grassroots‟.

3.5.2. Politicizing the Re-establishment Effort

Based on the many interviews I have done, the restructuring measure was wrongly understood
and interpreted by some members of the community. At the very beginning, the restructuring
effort was perceived as a Strategy to weaken the unity and cooperation of the Wolloian people. It
was assumed by the youth as a reaction of the government to undermine the political sentiment
and demand of the then time. They claim that the true nature of restructuring the zone was not
stemmed from the demands of the local people. Instead, it was adopted by the national elites as a
strategy to maintain their political interests and to hold back the public refusal of the incumbent
government.

3.5.3. Inadequate Human Power and Resource Inputs

Local Governments need human and resource inputs to execute their assigned responsibilities
and functions without which a vibrant Local Government will be impossible. In other words, for
a given Local Government to be effective in its accomplishment of functions, it must possess the
capacity in terms of human power, finance and other resource inputs. The human power is the
most potent because it is needed to plan, organize and direct other resources towards the
realization of the objective of the local units. Being the channels of communication between the
regional government and woredas and kebeles, local units are responsible for directing,
supervising and coordinating the functions of woredas and kebeles in due course of the
implementation of regional determined policies.76 In order to carry out these responsibilities,
adequate human power and resource inputs are required.

Due to the current lack of budget and educated manpower in the region the requisite human
power and resources (like vehicles, communication equipment, computers, type writers etc.) are
will not adequately materialized in the new local units. The deficiency of these resources may
become causes for low performance of local units. In those local units, shortage of human power
or staff is the major challenge that is not sufficient to supervise and support districts in the
required level.

76
Agegnehu and Dibu (n 35) 24.

17 | P a g e
 Conclusion
There is unprecedented interest in decentralized systems of governance in many African and
other developing states. A number of them have established constitutionally entrenched system
of local governance. Various forces and desires drive the decentralization programs of the states.
The existence of local governments is crucial for community development, effective delivery of
public services, democratization and intensification of mass participation to which well-
structured and functional Local Governments are needed. The purpose of this term paper is to
explore the current practices and challenges under the re-establishment of zone administrations
in Amhara Regional State. Since the administration of the Amhara National Regional State was
organized as one of the regional state of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the
number of zonal administrations has been increasing from time to time. Particularly, the Amhara
Regional Council announced that the Amhara Regional Council passed a decision to divide the
West Gojam and South Wollo zones into two different zonal administrations.77 I used different
primary sources (interviews and observations) and secondary documents such as federal and
regional constitutions, proclamations, regulations, local development plans, official performance
reports, article journals, theses and magazines to make this term paper. The study revealed that,
the status and the functions of Zonal administration are not clearly mentioned/defined in the
Ethiopian Federal State Structure and under Amhara regional state constitutions. And also, the
FDRE constitution does not clearly stipulate specific functional competences of Local
Government except by providing generally that regional states should transfer adequate power to
it. Neither the Federal constitution nor the Amhara Regional State constitution have set clear
standards/conditions for how and in what manner zonal administrations will be established or re-
established. Restructuring of local government without conducting the necessary study and long
term impacts is the other common practice in Ethiopia as well as in Amhara Regional State. This
term paper also investigated the challenges that may occur in the re-establishment of zone
administrations in Amhara Regional State, especially re-establishment of the current West
Gojam and South Wollo Administrative Zones. Accordingly, the lack of clear legal frameworks,
politicizing the restructuring effort and inadequate human and material resources are among the
challenges may observe after the commencement of the re-establishing measure.

77
Mekonen, Sleshi and Legas (n 3).

18 | P a g e
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iii | P a g e
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Ababa, 22 July 1991
 Proclamation No. 47/1975, Government Ownership of Urban Lands and Extra Houses
Proclamation, Negarit Gazeta, 1st Year, No. 41, Addis Ababa, 26 July 1975.
 Proclamation No. 1/1995, The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Constitution,
Federal Negarit Gazeta, 1st Year, No. 1, Addis Ababa, 8 December 1994.
 Proclamation No. 7/1992, A Proclamation to Provide for the Establishment of
National/Regional Self-governments, Negarit Gazeta of the Transitional Government of
Ethiopia, 51st Year, No. 2, Addis Ababa, 14 January 1992.
 Proclamation No. 59/2001, The Revised Constitution of the Amhara National Regional
State, Zikere Hig of the Council of Amhara National Regional State in Federal
Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, 7st Year, No. 2, Bahir Dar, 5th November 2001.
 Regulation No. 78/2010, The Revised Zonal Administrative Reestablishment and
Determination of Powers and Duties Council of Regional Government, Zikere Hig of the
Council of Amhara National Regional State in Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia,
16st Year, No. 12, Bahir Dar, 12th November 2001

5. Websites

 Almnew Mekonen, Mantegaftot Sleshi and Wagaye Legas, 'አዳዲስ ዞኖች በምዕራብ ጎጃምና
ደቡብ ወሎ' Deutsche Welle (DW) (Germany, 23 August 2022) <
https://p.dw.com/p/4Fvbt> accessed 10 December 2022

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