Contested Citizenship through Ethnic Naturalization in Gambella Region of Ethiopia

The Gambella region of Ethiopia is a socio-political hotspot where issues of citizenship and ethnic identity intersect with historical grievances and modern migration dynamics. Ethiopia’s federal system, which ties citizenship and political rights to ethnic identity, has created tensions in Gambella, a region known for its ethnic diversity and proximity to South Sudan. The process of ethnic naturalization where migrants or refugees integrate into local ethnic groups has often sparked disputes over land ownership, political representation, and access to resources. These challenges are exacerbated by the influx of South Sudanese refugees, whose alignment with indigenous or dominant ethnic groups has intensified local competition and conflict. Furthermore, ambiguities in national citizenship laws and their inconsistent application at the regional level have contributed to exclusionary practices and social fragmentation. This study examines the historical, legal, and socio-political dimensions of contested citizenship in Gambella, highlighting the role of ethnic naturalization in shaping intergroup relations and governance. The study used qualitative research approach through document analysis of the existing secondary data such as conceptual, theoretical and empirical literature reviews. It concludes by recommending policy reforms that build on shared needs and interests between citizens and refugees, strengthening institutions to tighten law that regulate refugees activities to be compliance with host country supreme law and create a situation to facilitate the formal naturalization of refugees according to the country constitution. Keyword: Contested Citizenship, Refugees and Migration, Ethnic Naturalization in Ethiopia DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/16-1-01 Publication date: January 30th 2026