1. Contested Secularism in Ethiopia: The Freedom to Public Manifestation of Faith Mohammed Dejen Assen

2. Background Ethiopia Located in East/Horn of Africa Population – over 75 million (2007) Diverse country (ethnic- more than 80, language more than 70) Religion Christianity (62.8%) – Orthodox-43.5, Protestant-18.6, Catholic-0.7 Islam 33.9 Others 3.3%

3. Historically, Orthodox Christianity was privileged (1931, 1955 constitutions, 1960 civil code) Others were often excluded Socially, it had a history of mutual coexistence Post-1974 (Derg era) religions were targeted “opium of the masses & ignorance” But separation clause was included

4. Post-1991 (Current Regime) Religious equality Freedom of worship Separation of state and religion Non-interference (arts 11 and 27) guaranteed

5. Both aspects of the right (internal & external) are guaranteed The external aspect is with limitation Most grounds are just similar with other int’l & regional legal instruments ‘distinct’ is ‘the principle of secularism and education’ Both are used as grounds for 2008 MOE Directive

6. Contestation As unconstitutional Defies the multinational/multicultural principle of the state Secularism could not justify

7. Focus of the law (MOE) Congregational pray and religious clothing It prohibits some religious attires from educational institutions (niqab) Totally bans group worship inside educational centers

8. Challenge from Activists It is against the precepts of their religion Quran mandates both on believers Women should lower their gaze and be modest (Surah an-Nur 24:31) Some Islamic preachers and scholars even interpret stricter complete body covering except the ‘face and the hands up to wrist’ required of women (Zakir, n.d: 11)

9. If they wish too, they can cover even these parts of the body Prayer in group, especially on Friday, is a must for Muslims (Sura al-Jumua (the Congregation or Friday 62:9) Some even argue on the basis of its social significance (harmony, brotherhood etc)

10. The 2008 MOE Directive and Veil Issue It limits public manifestation of faith Deals mainly on three issues Dressing Worshipping & Dietary matters Dressing- expressly prohibits niqab but no mention for others Discretion is for educational administrators

11. Worshipping- no group pray or salat Absolutely prohibited Dietary- two types of food stuffs but not two places for eating Objective or Justifications provided To make education secular/protect religious influence on education Enforce religious equality

12. Critics/Challenges Disproportionate/discriminatory (art 25) Could not be justified based on secularism Secularizing the curricula vs students Behavior of students has nothing to do with religious influence over education It relates only with content/subject matter Secularism in the constitution protects government interference

13. Multinational state principle of the constitution is under challenge (self- defeating) Genuine plurality of cultures and religions