Courts are supplanting village elders, and decentralized rural life is giving way to centralized public systems. All these signal a move towards modernization. But are these institutions trusted by the people?
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As Ethiopia develops, its social fabric is transforming. A traditionally conservative society is gradually embracing new ideas and lifestyles through increased global engagement. This shift is most pronounced in the evolution of institutions. Courts are supplanting village elders, and decentralized rural life is giving way to centralized public systems. All these signal a move towards modernization. But are these institutions trusted by the people? That’s another story.
A high-trust society is a society where members widely expect and receive honesty, fairness, and cooperation from each other and institutions, leading to greater social cohesion, economic prosperity, and stability. So it comprises two facets: the citizens’ view towards each other and the citizens’ view towards institutions. The first one is upheld by virtuous citizens, citizens who often comply with the shared values of the nation. Think of returning someone’s wallet when they dropped it, leaving your seat for the elderly, etc. The other facet is upheld by institutions that have high transparency, low corruption, and operate effectively. So, based on this definition, is Ethiopia a high-trust society?
The answer is a mixed bag. It’d be wrong to characterize Ethiopia as a monolithically “high-trust” or a “low-trust” society. However, one thing is certain: Ethiopians generally have low trust in formal institutions. So what do Ethiopians trust?
An Afrobarometer poll showed that Ethiopians trust traditional leaders more than other institutions, and in fact, would like to see their influence increase. Paired with religious leaders, traditional leaders are still foundational in building institutional trust among Ethiopians.
Why Traditional and Religious Leaders Hold Sway
For centuries, village elders and religious figures have served as mediators, moral guides, and community anchors. Their authority is often seen as legitimate because it is grounded in shared customs, personal relationships, and a sense of communal accountability. Unlike formal institutions, which can feel distant or bureaucratic, traditional leaders are embedded in the daily lives of Ethiopians, particularly in rural areas where over 75% of the population resides. Their proximity is the source of their legitimacy, even when their decisions may not always align with modern legal frameworks.
Formal institutions, on the other hand, often struggle with perceptions of corruption, inefficiency, and detachment. Ethiopia’s rapid modernization has outpaced the development of robust, transparent systems. Bureaucratic processes can feel alien to communities accustomed to traditional systems of arbitration.
Yet, the reliance on traditional systems is not without challenges. As Ethiopia urbanizes and globalizes, the relevance of village elders and religious leaders is tested. Younger generations, exposed to digital platforms and global ideas, may question the authority of traditional systems that sometimes clash with modern values like gender equality or individual rights. This tension raises a critical question: how can Ethiopia build a high-trust society that bridges its rich cultural heritage with the demands of a modernizing world?
The Future of Trust in Ethiopia
To foster a high-trust society, Ethiopia must address both facets of trust: interpersonal and institutional. On the interpersonal level, Ethiopia’s strong communal values provide a solid foundation. Acts of everyday virtue, like helping a neighbor or respecting elders, remain prevalent and can be reinforced through education and community initiatives. Schools and media campaigns could emphasize civic values, celebrating stories of honesty and cooperation to strengthen social bonds.
Institutionally, the path forward requires building systems that are transparent, accountable, and inclusive. This is no small task. Ethiopia’s government must prioritize anti-corruption measures, streamline bureaucratic processes, and ensure equitable access to justice. One promising approach is hybrid governance models that integrate traditional and formal systems. For example, courts could collaborate with village elders in rural areas to resolve disputes, blending the legitimacy of traditional leaders with the structure of modern law. Such models have shown success in other African nations, like Ghana, where customary arbitration complements formal judicial processes.
Moreover, investing in civic education can bridge the gap between citizens and institutions. By demystifying how courts, local governments, and public services operate, Ethiopia can empower its people to engage with these systems confidently. Technology also offers opportunities: e-governance platforms could enhance transparency, allowing citizens to track public spending or report corruption anonymously. These steps would signal that institutions are responsive to the people’s needs, gradually rebuilding trust.
The future of Ethiopia’s social fabric lies in harmonizing its past and present. Traditional and religious leaders should not be sidelined but rather integrated into a modern framework that respects their cultural significance while addressing their limitations. By fostering virtuous citizenship and building trustworthy institutions, Ethiopia can cultivate a high-trust society that supports its ambitions for economic growth and social cohesion. As the nation navigates this transformation, the challenge will be to ensure that no one is left behind.
