February 5, 2006(Sidama Concern) - Reports abound of tense political situation in Sidama following student demonstrations and party political campaign by the Ethiopian government.
In the last few weeks, Sidamas of all walks of life showed their determination to achieve full regional status for Sidama. It is recalled that in the run up to and following the May 2005 election, the EPRDF-led government of Ethiopia seemed to succumb to the popular demand and promised the return of the Sidama regional status. The main reason for this was an electoral crisis following the electionwhich sent a clear message to the ruling EPRDF government.
To help dissipate the ongoing crisis, the government promised the return of Oromia administration to Finfinne (Addis Ababa). In Sidama, its cadres were ordered to undertake the notorious gimgama (evaluation exercise) and were told their unpopularity stems from the government policies including undermining Sidama demands, the massacre of 24 May 2002, the overall marginalisation of Sidamas and their lack of regional status. The government conceded of its unpopularity and appeared to make forced change of heart.
Then large segments of the Sidama population met in August 2005 and decided to have the regional status. Subsequently, the required signatories of the Sidama zonal officials and the public submitted the formal request to the so-called Southern Nations and Nationalities Regional State to approve the request and conduct the necessary referendum on the status issue. The regional state agreed to organise the referendum within a year's time as per its constitution.
In a breach of trust, quite typical of the current regime, the promise was not kept and the regional state is now reneging on its undertaking. In stead, on 19 January 2006, the Prime Minister Meles Zenawi convened a meeting of pro-EPRDF party cadres and members of parliament. No agreement was secured and the meeting ended abruptly. Party cadres were told to go back and convince the people to reverse the decision already made regarding the regional status.
The news was received with alarm in Sidama. Discontent is rampant fuelled by economic, political and social malaise. Demonstrations and meetings have taken place but they are now banned. The government has dispatched the military and security forces. According to our sources about 50,000 military personnel are stationed in different parts of Sidama both in rural as well as urban areas.
As of yet, we did not receive specific information on violent actions against the people, but sources state widespread intimidation and harassment. The military presence is making matters worse and Sidama remains tense.
