UNSUNG NATION Of SIDAMA

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The Sidama engaged in a vigorous struggle for self-determination, a pursuit that resulted in the loss of thousands of lives during armed conflicts, particularly during the era of the Derg Marxist regime and thereafter, encompassing also non-violent efforts. The predominant and better-organized faction of the Sidama people’s quest for freedom was manifested through the armed resistance led by the Sidama Liberation Movement (SLM). The contributions of the Sidama people were pivotal in the overthrow of the oppressive Derg regime, which perpetrated egregious human rights abuses and war crimes across Ethiopia, often targeting innocent civilians solely based on their political beliefs or divergences. Despite their valiant efforts, the heroism of the Sidama people remained largely unrecognized, as they engaged in fierce confrontations that resulted in substantial casualties among Derg’s military forces throughout the SLM’s campaign until the regime’s demise in May 1991. Consequently, thousands of SLM freedom fighters made the ultimate sacrifice during this intense struggle, facilitating the Sidama nation’s decision to establish a self-administered regional state by means of a referendum in 2020. Moreover, the history of the Sidama has largely been overlooked, their culture marginalized, and the Sidama language intentionally neglected, hindering its development. The current and the future generation bear a historical responsibility to safeguard, uphold, and ensure that this self-administration is both just and genuine, while also striving to avert bias and corruption.

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