Sidama of Ethiopia: Ethnicity and self-determination

 
PIIS032150750015265-3-1
DOI10.31857/S032150750015265-3
Publication type Article
Status Published
Authors
Occupation: Principal Researcher
Affiliation: Institute for African Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences
Address: Russian Federation, Moscow
Journal nameAsia and Africa Today
EditionIssue 6
Pages50-56
Abstract

For the first time in Ethiopian Studies the article analyzes in detail the struggle of one of the Ethiopian people, the Sidama, for self-determination.

The article is divided into four sections. The first section “The Sidama under the conditions of ethnic federalism” analyzes the positive and negative aspects of ethnic federalism and the reasons for the discontent of the Sidama, and the causes of Sidama’s grievances. The second section “The Sidama’s struggle for self-government” provides a detailed account of the Sidama’s struggle against the policy of Amharization during the imperial period, the discrimination in Derg rule (1974-1991) and since 1991 during the period of ethnic federalism, The third sections “Referendum” is devoted to a detailed description of this important event in the life of the Sidama and their victory. Finally, in the fourth section “Post-referendum situation” the author analyzes the Constitution of the new state.

The creation of the new 10th state in Ethiopia on the ethnic basis means the strengthening of ethnic federalism in the country. It is important to stress that the author had several e-mail interviews with Sidama scholars and journalists - active participants in the Sidama’s movement for self-determination on the topic of post-referendum events.

KeywordsEthiopia, ethnicity, ethnic federalism, ethnic communities, Sidama state, self-determination, traditional social institutions, professional castes, Sidama, Wolaita, Oromo, Amhara, Abiy Ahmed
Received25.03.2021
Publication date11.06.2021
Number of characters25219
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