This paper analyzes the dynamics of the Sufi-Salafi conflict in the context of South Wollo of Ethiopia primarily focusing on the post 2011 intra-religious conflict. The analysis dominantly depends on empirical data though some secondary sources are consulted. The researcher employed conflict mapping to analyze issues of the conflict and alliances of actors, trapezoid-model analysis to scrutinize the causes of the conflict and onion-model analysis to analyze the needs, interests and positions of actors in the conflict. This paper also provides background information on the trajectory of the Salafi movement following the introduction of the incumbent constitution which granted unprecedented religious freedom for citizens of the country. This was followed by intra religious tensions and conflict and eventually culminated with the intervention of external actors whom are supposedly affected by the perceived threats of religious extremism. The lesson drawn from the Sufi-Salafi conflict in South Wollo is so imperative to understand the causes of the conflict and the perceptions and interests of actors. This would in the long run contribute for the efforts of interventions in the Muslim community of South Wollo in particular and other similar experiences in the Horn of Africa in general.

Keywords: Sufi, Salafi, Conflict and Dynamics