Browsing by Author "TAMENE LEGESSE ABAKO"

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    POLITICAL STABILITY AND SOCIAL COHESION IN THE MEKI CATHOLIC VICARIATE, OROMIA REGION, ETHIOPIA.
    (THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA, 2026-10-25) TAMENE LEGESSE ABAKO
    Political stability is a foundation for social cohesion, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable community development. The Oromia Region of Ethiopia has experienced political tensions, insecurity, social divisions, and governance challenges that may undermine trust, cooperation, participation, and peaceful relationships among communities. Although previous studies have examined political stability and social cohesion at national and regional levels, limited empirical research has focused on their relationship within faith-based institutions at the grassroots level. This study examined the relationship between political stability and social cohesion in the Meki Catholic Vicariate, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Specifically, the study sought to: assess participants’ perceptions of political stability and social cohesion; evaluate how security enhances social cohesion; explore how the rule of law fosters political stability and social cohesion; and examine the effectiveness of existing measures for promoting social cohesion and propose recommendations for their improvement. The study was guided by Good Governance Theory and Social Capital Theory and employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. From a target population of 1,200, Yamane’s formula was used to determine a minimum quantitative sample of 300 respondents, while 20 key informants were purposively selected for qualitative data. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained through key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS Version 27, generating frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings indicated a generally positive relationship between political stability and social cohesion, with respondents strongly agreeing that political stability promotes peaceful coexistence, trust, participation, and social cohesion (overall mean = 4.21). The study concludes that political stability and social cohesion are closely interconnected and recommends strengthening institutional accountability, inclusive participation, dialogue, reconciliation, civic and peace education, youth and women’s engagement, interreligious cooperation, and community-based conflict prevention and mediation.