The continuing crisis in Sidama

By Fekadu Aroressa

April 27, 2006

In the last few months there has been considerable attention to the problems in Southern Ethiopia, especially Sidama.

Most recently, there was a letters from Ethiopians in London about the dreadful betrayal of the local Sidama leadership who before the infamous elections of May 2005, encouraged the demand for Regional status and then, under orders from the Prime Minister, worked against it. They went to every kebele in Sidama saying that it was not such a good idea at all. This was a horrific betrayal of those who really believed that the constitution would work for the smaller nationalities in the country.

What Caused the Crisis?

Even the Imperial Regime and the Derg did not do what the TPLF led government did. It is clear that the so-called federal policy of the present government was designed simply to legitimize the regional status of Tigray.

Why else would the government deny the right of one of the main nationalities for regional status as they have done with the Sidama people?

The Sidama nation with a population of over 4.5 million has existed for thousands of years, with its own culture, history and clear identity. After the EPRDF came into power, Meles Zinawe and his side kick Bitu the Federal Advisor who of course was imprisoned for corruption, could not see any solution to the ‘problem of the south’ but to bring them together in one region, undermining the very basis of the constitution. Even the Emperor and Mengistu did not insult the people of Sidama to this degree. They established the Sidamo province, which was at least gave some recognition to the Sidama people.

Racism Frankly this has come about from a racist perspective among the senior leadership in the TPLF who had no experience of Sidama and frankly never tried to understand the people. The Prime Minister in his recent meeting in Awassa had the arrogance to say they the Sidama people did no have the capacity to manage a region. Nothing can be further from the truth. Of course the government has done its utmost to remove as many educated Sidamas as possible through intimidation and harassment. One only has to look at the leadership in Awassa now compared to some years ago.

Most of all the government under the leadership of the Prime Minister is simply undermining the constitution about which he speaks so much. In the end the Sidamas will get their region, but at a cost. We need to reestablish the five regional states, which existed in the early 1990s immediately. This is in line with the constitution and of greater importance with the wishes of the people.

Fekadu Aroressa on behalf of Sidama Diaspora
26 April 2006