This archive report was first published on 18 November 2019.
Referendum on Sidama Statehood Sparks Tensions ¶
On November 18, 2019, Ethiopia is set to vote on a breakaway state, the Sidama, which has been a long-standing demand of the ethnic group.
The referendum has sparked tensions over autonomy, with analysts warning that it could embolden other groups and inflame broader ethnic tensions.
At least 10 other groups have submitted statehood bids in the south, and the implementation of the Sidama referendum is expected to raise a host of thorny issues.
One major sticking point is the status of Hawassa, which the Sidama are eyeing as the capital of their would-be state.
"We're living in fear. We're afraid things will not change for the better after the referendum is held," said Tesfaye, a non-Sidama resident of Hawassa who did not want his full name used for safety reasons.
"I'm afraid that if Sidama becomes a regional state what will come next is institutionalised discrimination against ethnic non-Sidamas," he added.
William Davison, senior analyst with International Crisis Group, said the Sidama referendum "does not fit well" with key aspects of the agenda Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has pursued since taking power last year.
These include merging the current ruling coalition of ethno-regional parties into a single political party.
Abiy has spent recent months trying to put a damper on other statehood bids, pleading for patience in meetings with leaders of ethnic groups trying to follow the Sidama example.
However, the implementation of the Sidama referendum is expected to raise a host of thorny issues, including the status of Hawassa and the potential for institutionalised discrimination against ethnic non-Sidamas.
