SNLO PRESS RELEASES - September, 2009
Chairperson of Sidama Liberation front surrenders to Ethiopian Government.
Read
more
Conspirators can not deter Sidama's aspirations. Read
more
SNLO PRESS RELEASE - December 16, 2006
Call for the Sidama People to Speed up the Struggle for Freedom and
Democracy. Read more
SNLO PRESS RELEASE - September 10, 2006
SLF's empty house continues to remain empty! Read more
SNLO PRESS RELEASE - August 15, 2006
Sidama Liberation Front (SLF) Rejects Sidama National Liberation Organization’s
Offer for Political Unity Read
more
SNLO PRESS RELEASE - May 23, 2006
Sidama National Liberation Organisation (SNLO) Re-Structures its Leaders.
Read more
SNLO PRESS RELEASE - May 22, 2006
The Sidama People Continue To Commemorate the 4th Year of the Loqqe
Massacre. Read more
SNLO PRESS RELEASE - February 27, 2006
The Ethiopian Prime Minister turns down the demand of 5 million Sidama
people for regional status; Appoints the person responsible for the
massacre of the Sidama people on May 24, 2002 as an Ambassador to South
Africa. Read more
SNLO PRESS RELEASE - February 10, 2006
Suppressing Democratic Movements with Gun Doesn’t Bring about
Lasting Solution for Lingering Injustice. Read more
SNLO PRESS RELEASE - November 4, 2005
Incomprehensible Barbarism: - Meles’s Regime is Committing Inexcusable
and Inescapable Crimes while the world is Silent. Read more
SNLO PRESS RELEASE - August 31, 2005
We Do not Turn a Blind-eye on an Unfolding Tragedy in Sidama Land,
and no more tolerate Praia’s. Read more
SNLO PRESS RELEASE - May 24, 2005
The Sidama National Liberation Organization (SNLO) is a political
organization that works to ensure that the Sidama people of east Africa
be able to decide on all aspects of its life. SNLO is a continuation
of an age old and heroic Sidama liberation struggle that commenced
in 1890s and that took a more organized form and shape in early 1970s.
At present, the organization is mobilizing its entire 5 million people
to fight against political subjugation, human rights abuses and systematic
economic plunder and under development by the incumbent Ethiopian regime.
The Sidama society has the oldest and unique forms of democratic institutions
of political leadership guided by the Mote system. Our organization
values this democratic heritage immensely. Moreover, the ghastly nature
of the problems confronting our society at present require that SNLO
become more dynamic, flexible and be in tune with the changing global
and local circumstances for the good of our society.
Accordingly, the National Council of the SNLO evaluated the current
state of affairs and carried out re-shuffling of its executive committee
members. The council elected
1. Kambata Xoola - chairperson,
2. Ayane Abdulahi - vice chairperson
3. Barassa Daye -secretary and various other members to various positions
in the organization.
The re-shuffled executive committee will commence its task beginning
on May 25, 2005, immediately after the third commemoration of the historic
day of the massacre of the innocent Sidama peaceful anti-government
demonstrators in Awassa town of Sidamaland on May 24, 2002.
The National Council of SNLO ensures that it will provide a full and
an unequivocal support to the new executive committee in all its activities.
Victory to the oppressed people!!
SNLO
May 24, 2005.
Oromos evicted from their land. December 2003 Read
more
Individuals led by Meless Zenawi, made clear their hidden agenda, after
deceiving international communities and nations living in the Abyssinian
empire for more than a decade. Read
more
Declaration of the establishment of the Sidama National Liberation
Organization Sidaamuafoo Version
or English Version
Article from the Yemen Times, 8 July 2004 "Response
concerning Abyssinia" by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Shamsaddin
A Press Release by Sidama National Liberation
Organization, SNLO
On Eviction of the Oromos from their land and capital city 'Finfine'
(Addis Ababa) by TPLF/ EPRDF led Abyssinian Regime.
December 7, 2003
Finfine, renamed 'Addis Ababa' by Tayitu, immediately after Abyssinian
territorial expansion in late1890s, is located at the heart of Oromo's
ancestral land and it is Oromo's capital city. Renaming of 'Finfine'
itself suggests that Abyssinian colonizers' determination not only to
physical elimination of Oromo people as persons, but also their hideous
act to destroy Oromo's identity associated with the naming of places
as they have been and are doing in Sidama land. These colonizers do
not consider accepting and recognizing the values of non-Abyssinian
nations. Instead, they think, if they consider, as a defeat and complete
shame.
Thus, the wife of Menelik II opted to call Finfine, which is Oromo's
capital and the current capital city of Abyssinian Empire, 'Addis Ababa'
meaning, 'new flower' in their language. This is the reflection of Abyssinian
fundamentalism that goes against the values and identities of all nations
of the Empire. Unequivocally, these attempts were and are geared towards
imposing the agenda of political, economic and socio-cultural domination;
however this in turn enhances the downfall of the regime.
TPLF/EPRDF, 'modern Abyssinian empire builder' is repeating not only
the same mistakes of its ancestors, but also is uprooting the indigenous
nations from their own cities and lands. For instance, it happened in
Sidama capital Adaare, also called by colonizers 'Awassa' which followed
by heroic resistance and mass demonstration in the face of May 24, 2002
genocide. Before the massacre of the May 24, 2002 and in particular
aftermaths, mass imprisonment, sacking Sidama from government and non
governmental organizations, internal displacement and disappearance
of individuals to unknown locations, fleeing the country and other rampant
human rights violations had strengthened the struggle against the brutal
colonizers, under the leadership of Sidama National Liberation Organization,
SNLO.
The same attempt is now being repeated on Oromo nation. Whereas a number
of innocent people are daily slaughtered, thousands are indiscriminately
imprisoned, and others, more than 16 million, are gravely starving.
The silence of global community is incredibly sad. The continuations
of such heinous acts against the nations of Empire are, because simply
western partners of the regime did not exert their utmost political
and diplomatic pressures on TPLF/EPRDF's regime. The west voluntarily
turned blind on the issue of Sidama, Oromo, and Ogaden people's genocide;
deaf to the cries and lamentations of respective victims and their families.
TPLF had taken the silence of its donors for granted and as blessing
for its continued human right violation.
Therefore, in this critical moment for the Oromo nation, our Cushitic
brothers, the Sidama nation and its citizens under the leadership of
Sidama National Liberation Organization 'SNLO' will stand on the side
of Oromo nation and OLF, to share what ever the sacrifices to be paid.
SNLO believes that this policy of eviction will enhance the synchronization
of the liberation struggle and the downfall of the brutal TPLF's regime.
In effect, the liberation of Oromia, Sidama, Ogadenia and other colonized
nations in the Empire will be materialized whether they like it or not.
In order to prevent the political and humanitarian crises that will
follow from the implementation of such eviction policies of TPLF, SNLO
urges international communities and western partners of TPLF, to stop
their silence on the continued violations of human rights. Had it not
been for west's economic and material support, TPLF cannot constantly
violate the rights of individuals and nations as a whole by imposing
its hidden agenda against innocent nations and nationalities under their
Empire.
Therefore, we emphatically condemn their hideous act against human
rights of Oromo and other subjugated nations, and request western nations
to reconsider their support to TPLF's regime and exert their political,
economic and diplomatic pressures on the regime to avert these malicious
policies of uprooting the Oromo people and others from their respective
cities and lands. We, once again would like to re-emphasis the importance
of 'act' rather than simple rhetoric or silence to avoid a looming bloodshed
like it happened in Rwanda and Burundi, while the west is sponsoring
the act of dictatorship.
Victory to all colonized nations by brutal Abyssinians.
Sidama National Liberation Organization, SNLO December 7, 2003.
Top
The merger of PDOs in South, will worsen already
volatile political conditions
Press Release
In the last week, it was learnt that few individuals of the former
TPLF regime finalized their engagements of institutionalisation of unitary
State, by violating the so called constitution and fundamental rights
of nations to self determination.
Those individuals led by Meless Zenawi, made it clear their hidden
agenda, after deceiving, international communities and nations living
in Abyssinian empire for more than a decade.
The Abyssinian empire is built by destroying independent identities
of the nations. In the process of building this empire and destruction
of the rest non-Abyssinian nations, various means has been utilized
such as colonial conquest by emperor Menelik, "Amharization"
Hailesellse's version of 'modernization', communism by colonel Mengistu,
Confusion and deception by Meles Zenawi.
Meless Zenaw's confused constitution, theoretically allows freedom
for the nations so that they may develop their cultures, and languages.
Their language becomes the media in their respective offices and schools,
their children allowed to learn their own values and their ethino-centric
knowledge. It gave minority veto power. For every 100,000 people there
is one representative in the parliament for the nations whose population
number below 100,000 there are twenty identified seats. Forwarding all
those solutions suggests the former TPLF, has understood the basic problem
of the Ethiopian empire is the self determination of nations. This moderation
has its own positive impact to halt Abyssinian fundamentalism and to
sooth the nations under the prisons of the empire. In some respect some
nations have more advantage than others, while others lost their nominal
autonomies.
Accordingly, Tigray became autonomous regional state, economically
most advantageous, the nationalists who fought for Tigryan autonomy
settled for the domination of other nations, and became advisors and
corrupted kings makers in other nations. Their domination included even
over the Amharas.
Amharas previously politically dominant, regionally dispersed to deceive
and hide their dominations became single regional state. Although Amhara
ruling classes destroyed the identities of other nations, they did nothing
for indigenous Amharas living in drought and famine prone areas apart
from talking 3000 years rhetoric and malicious act against other nations.
While Amhara ruling classes indulge themselves for their belly there
is a continuous poverty, famine and diseases.
Great Oromo nation has got nominal regional autonomy thanks the sacrifice
paid by OLF. But it is governed by Oromo speaking, mentally and physically
non-Oromo cadres.
The Sidama, third populous nation in the empire, lost the nominal regional
autonomy since the conquest and Italian occupation, inherent in at least
the name Sidamo province. Sidama, is denied even the status of regional
statehood by violating 1992 proposals. Alternatively the then TPLF representative
merged more than forty five nations, under single region called Southern
Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Regional State (SNNNPRS). However,
there were more than two dozen puppet the so called Peoples' Democratic
Organizations (PDOs) in the name of their respective nations in the
south.
Due to the impact of this confused constitution of Meles, to deceive
his donors, the nations of south in general, the Sidama in particular,
continue to bear burden. The Sideman lost its budget allocation, while
the Sidama feed the empire with shovel the Sidama was provided with
spoon. Even that was from Promised Aid budgets and from promised debt.
The Sidamas share from treasure is very minimal less than five percent
for the last ten years. Possible posts and employment opportunities
in government offices also blocked for the Sidamas. The Sidama made
prone to diseases and famine after the establishment of SNNPRS. Those
Sidama nationalists who resented and opposed TPLF's action suffered
from both physical and mental tortures. The political intrigue taking
in TPLF made SNNPRS machinery point to the preparation of the ground
to commit mass elimination and genocide. The genocide of May 24th 2002
and excess imprisonment torture and removal of the Sidama nationals
from government job by creating hitherto unknown criteria for simple
jobs that can be done by those who completed high schools demanding
Bachlors and Masters degree.
This has been a pre-planned motives to remove the Sidama's from the
only employment opportunities in their own land and to monopolize all
government jobs from the northern elites and their few allies.
Meles' confused regime finalized its plan to purge Sidama Peoples Democratic
Organization and other PDOs of SNNPRS when it felt confident to appoint
seven individuals rather than organizational Participation in centralist
party. This purge of SPDOs clearly indicated that Meles's empire is
so contempt while it is confused to go further to call the Sidama and
other nations by their own names, let alone to combat poverty, famine
and diseases.
Thus, SNLO strongly condemns Meles Zenaw's and his henchmen political
motive and move to retard nationalism and national self determination,
and calls upon the Sidama nationals and the nationals of other nations
in the south to fight such an Abyssinian fundamentalism and dangerous
plan that invites more conflicts and blood shed. The donors of the regime,
international communities, and human rights organizations should understand
the consequences of such a move will have on democracy, peace and stability,
not to make the Southern nations Second Rwanda. Therefore, we believe
the international community have duty and responsibility to exert diplomatic
political and other pressures to stop blood shed that will be followed
by Dictators' violation of its own constitution
Victory for the Sidamas and other oppressed nations in the empire.
Sidama National Liberation Organization
September 2003
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Sidaamu Daga wolaphphote Uurinsha xinamana
loosu aana hosate lalawa
Sidaamu daga Wolaphphote Uurinsha Xintamate ka'imi, xibbu dirri aleenni
sayinsoonnihu Sidaamu manni gadadootina mittu diri aleenni ikkitinoseti
Sidaamu hayyolle xiinxallote gumaati.
Hayyoolete xiinxallote gumi Sidaamu manni sharro xibbu dirri aleenni
keeshitro nafa, hassinanni jeefa gana hoogginnohu:
1) Hawashu gashsshooti deerlimalimma danasse sooritanni, sidaamu daga
gadadishshunni fultanno sharro shitalansitanni huntinnhura,
2) Sidaamu Daga wolaphphote hexxonssanna sharronssa Hawashu gashshoote
seekate mimitunniwa giwante xooqqannini Sidaamu sharro seema giddo ee'uhu
gedenssanni Dagate sharro guma laaltanoiki gede kolaase huntannori Sidaamu
illama miila ikkite kayiini allaggichchoho wodana hossinnori luuxxe
eeanaati. Lawishiishaho; Meesooni, Eyaapu, Iseepu, Simadeu. Togo ya
kayiinin
tenne Uurrishuwa giddo Sidaamu dagara miicama hoolate sharantannori
dino yaa
dikkitinno.
3) Mitu Mitu Lawishiishaho kulli Uurinshuwa giddonni, Sidaamu Daga
wolaphphote sharro seema giddo luuxxe e'euhu gedensaanni Sidaamu
affinoikkiha lawanna lowo jaddo loosantanni Sidaamu sharro shitallansite
huntino.
Albi annuwa, lawishiishaho Alito Hewanohu, Lanqmo Naarehu, Takilu Yotihu,
Amare Gunsihu, Roodi utaalihu,Yetteri Boolehu, xaadiso hushulihu, Gawiiwi
Sirriqihu, Laalimo Dayehu , Woli Goosomihu, Fiisi Fichohu assitani dagu
sharro luuxxe e'u daga shialansite hunteena Ayiirado Sidaamu gobba techo
yannara Mudennita, dartunnita, goofonita ikkiteena Onkoleessa lemmiina
shoolunni Goofu dagara rabbissanoha nafa honggonni.
Kunnira albaanni duunamino qarri aana Onkoleesu lemmina shoolu goofo
kaimi
maati yite torbite aleenni nooha sharrote giddo nooha qaraa bade fushituhu
gedensaani:
1. Dagate sharro suffo affidhara danditannohu coyii anna ikkinninohu
Sidaamu
daga miilla ikkitinnorinna Sidaamu geerri ledo Xiinxxallote guma warxxinihu
gedenssanni Sidaamu Daga Wolaphphote Sharro Haaru dannini urritara
gumullonni.
2. Gumulote garrinnino Sidaamu gobbara heedhanorinna manni gobbara darante
heedhannori baalu mitto affoo ikkite 'Sidaamu Daga Wolaphphote Uurrinsha'
uurisidhino
Uurinshashate Polotiku hexxo Sidaamu Gobba Hawashu gashootinni fushshinne
Umose dandiitino gobba assate. Bire Sidammu manni Hallaalancho heeshonna
Democraasete heesho Xaa yannara alba higge qaafu gobba harrissno democraase
ledo xaadinse haaro Sidaamu gashshote mingra uurrisate. Sidaamu
Gashshitannore Sidaamu umis doodharanna dooramannohunno Sidaamaho assino
sharro keenne lannena calla ikkitanno gede assateeti,
Babaxxitino Sharronkke polotik, Miinjunna daggomu hexxo sharrote Miilla
ikkitinorira calla uyiinanni daafira sharoote miilla ikkitinnara lede
woshshanni
Sidaamu Daga Wolaphphote Uurinsha Xintantinotana loosu aana hossinota
lalaweemo
Barraassa Daye
Sidaamu Daga wolaphphote Uurrisha Murricha
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Declaration of the establishment of the Sidama
National Liberation Organization (SNLO )
Translated from Sidaamuafoo.
Introduction.
The Birth of Sidama National Liberation struggle is the result of the
agony of over a century of the Sidama nation that suffered from brutal
Abyssinian colonialism and more than one year study on the Sidama National
struggle against this colonization and colonial administration. The
view stated below is the view of most of the Sidama critical scholars,
who are determined to investigate not only the way how Abyssinian colonialism
alternate its faces to perpetuate Abyssinian fundamentalism, by demonising
quest for freedom as evil of tribalism, but also how Sidama National
aspiration for freedom was hijacked by those who served Abyssinian
fundamentalism or opposed to each other on how to serve various Abyssinian
political groups.
I wanted to share the result of these findings with all concerned Sidamas
at this critical moment for us to decide whether we accept Abyssinian
Supremacy and our slavery or to continue what the great souls of the
Sidama nation did and has been doing for the quest of freedom. I wanted
to share my personal feelings with the Sidama patriots. My view emanates
from total apprehension of historical course of struggle and the direction
in to which the struggle is leading on one hand and Abyssinian fundamentalism
on the other. Because any Ethiopian party whether it is "legal"
or "illegal" those operating inside , or outside the empire
by their very nature are intolerant and unwilling to entertain any idea
that appears contrary to Abyssinian supremacy on all nations under their
control in their prison of Ethiopian sovereignty. At any time most of
the so called Ethiopian opposition parties have no fundamental difference
from any ruling party regarding national liberation struggle. Their
political aims and objectives are against the existence of National
Liberation Struggles and make every effort to silence them by both explicit
and implicit means. Those organizations committed for the liberation
of their nations should be alert enough to avoid any encroachments and
infiltrations of Abyssinianizers not to endanger the organizational
coherence and its genuine struggle for freedom.
I believe this is important and needs deliberated on. Its importance
lies in its political dimension. The purpose of this speech is to state
my own view and the views of likeminded Sidama scholars as a petition
to Sidamas and Sidama patriots for thier reaction to ensure public consensus
on such matters as related to Sidama national interest. This is a requirement
that is beneficial for formulating organizational policies, develop
strategic planning, to reconsider strengths and weaknesses in the past
struggle and to observe present opportunities and threats to forecast
future obstacles and design future strategies that helps shape the Sidama
Struggle in its right direction to independence beyond autonomy. When
I declare the establishment of The Sidama National Liberation Organization,
I had one thing in my mind. That is its essence as continuation of the
long history of resistance and quest for freedom. Therefore I would
like to confirm to every member of our society that our organization,
The Sidama National Liberation Organization, is the continuation of
an age old resistance struggle against colonial conquest and quest for
freedom.
Dear all citizens of Sidama!!!
I would like to glance back the memory of resistance struggle from
the date
of colonial conquest of our nation and mother land Sidama at this
historical moment to remind all of us to commit our selves for national
aspiration for
freedom.
Although some blame the disunity of the Sidamas that failed to prevent
the Sidama-land and nation from Abyssinian invasion, the truth lies
some
where else. It was not the disunity of the Sidama one should blame for
the
defeat of the Sidama. This can be raised if the combatants were fighting
with the same kind of weapons. What makes those writer's and their
informant's judgment illogical is their failure to see the entire
development in the horn of Africa that boosted the advantage of Menelik's
aspiration. In horn of Africa, the situation began to change during
the
second half of nineteenth century, as the result of steady flow of European
guns, and artilleries and ammunitions to Abyssinia particularly in to
Ankoberite
palace. The virtual absence of European weapons from the access of other
conquered nations like Sidama, fundamentally altered the balance of
power
between Abyssinian colonizers and the Sidama resistance.
The power of European weapons not only destroyed the once-mighty Sidama
cavalry, but also strengthened the Menelik's ambition of conquest and
permanent occupation of the Sidama-land. Secondly Europeans themselves
trained the Abyssinian army for further destruction of nations in favour
of
empire building. Let alone the armless Sidama, Europeans themselves
were
defeated by their own weapons in Adwa in 1896. Although the Sidama put
up
heroic resistance, in Botoola locality in Haweela, Otilcho( Teferikella)
locality in Daara, Menelik's army defeated them because they utterly
lacked
firearms.
Thirdly untold cruelty and brutality accompanied Menelik's conquest,
plunder of property, burning of houses, indiscriminate killings and
selling
into slavery tens of thousands of war captives. (Trimingham 1952:128).
Emphasising this fact, at the time of invasion says Caulk (1972:620),
the
Sidama, who were fighting with old spears and swords, soon found they
were
no match with Amhara guns. The same writer concludes were it not for
their
superiority with modern European weapons it would have been doubtful
whether
the Amharas would have been able both to win and maintain the occupation.
This conclusion seems true because the Abyssinians never had history
of
daring other nations before they were provided with weapons from European
powers.
Fourthly between 1889 and 1891 a catastrophic rinderpest killed most
of the cattle, this was followed by the out break of a smallpox epidemic
and
cholera that was also natural event that supported Abyssinian occupation
of
the Sidama-land with their guns.
The total rejection and resistance of the Sidama-land occupation
continued in its various forms, right after occupation. For
instance the onset of Sidama national resistance took religious forms.
Sidama indigenous religious movements grew stronger among the sidama
after
colonization and consolidation. After 1931, when Ethiopian Orthodox
Church
started to baptize the followers of Sidama religion against their will.
At
that time, even now there was or is no distinction between the said
church
and expanding Abyssinian empire, as the clergy were facilitating the
assimilation process. For Sidama nation that period was one of sever
stress.
In the face of dissatisfaction with existing world, they looked forward
to
the better one whose imminent arrival was articulated by local prophets.
The prophets claimed that the Amahra domination would end soon. They
announced that the oppressive rulers would soon leave the Sidama land,
abandoning what they had collected from the Sidama. They urged their
followers to stop paying anything to the Abyssinians whose stations
were to
disappear. They said that the spirit of their ancestors would liberate
their
people from the Amhara trap, if they persisted in their loyalty to
ancestors. After this prophecy, Italy occupied Ethiopia authenticating
the
realization of the prophecy. As far as the prophecy is concerned, Italian
occupation of Abyssinia is liberating the Sidama from Amhara colonial
bondage. According to the information, I collected, while conducting
research on socio-political history of the Sidama, the Sidama nation
enjoyed
more freedom during the Italian occupation.
Prophetic movements have generally been initiated by particular
individuals who predicted that if people act in certain way, the desired
state of affairs, usually involving a return to a happy and more stable
existence will some how come about. Emperor Hailesillasie (1930-1974)
lost
the war of Italian occupation, not only because of Italian military
superiority, but also because his Ethiopia lacked internal cohesion
and
unity. According to pan Africaniser Marcus Garvey, in 1930s Haile Sellasie
lost the war because he kept his subjects " under the bondage of
slavery"
Garvey argued that " Ethiopia was the last African country where
slavery was
practiced and that people were kept in bondage without the most basic
human
right. (Sbacchi 1997:11-120)
The circumstances under which anti-colonization movements have developed
were one of acute social change where old ways of life have been disrupted,
but full assimilation into "new" culture has not been achieved.
Traditional
culture of the Sidama place a great deal of emphasis on exchange and
reciprocity as bases for building relationships and achieving prestige.
People cemented friendships, built alliance and resolved disputes by
mounting large scale exchange of with others. They also competed with
rivals
by engaging in competitive exchanges. The Abyssinian colonizers who
arrived
in Sidama did not share the same view of relationships. Taking the advantage
of control over extremely attractive economic goods such as gold, ivory,
coffee, and land , they refused to enter into proper exchange relations
with
local people. Instead they instituted oppressive administrative structures
and acted as superiors. Therefore, the Sidama preoccupation with anti
colonization is a way of rebuilding a sense of independence and prestige
in
the face of Amhara domination.
Sidama nationalism also created its heroes and villains .Great
personalities like Alito Hewano,Lanqamo Naare, Rooda Uttaala , Amare
Gunsa,
Yetera Boolle, Takilu Yota, Wola Gossoma who committed suicide rather
than
surrendering to the agent of enemy, Fissa Ficho, Laimo Daye, who fought
and
finally succeeded in uprooting Naftagna gang leader called Bakkala Borshe,
(the latter killed fifty Sidamas in a single day demanding the where
about
of his mother, who was actually taken by Jigeesa river.)
The survival of indigenous political institutions is due to nascent
nationalism despite untold tortures and sustained pressure to destroy
traditional values. The Sidama pass the audacious performance of the
past
generation by oral literature, poems and songs such as weedo, faaro,
geeraarsha, hano, haarokise, the latter , in turn served as the source
of
inspiration for one to be proud of being Sidama and the survival of
its
nationalism.
Contemporary organized political struggle started in the 1970's by
Amare
Gunsa, Rooda Utaala, Yetera Boole, Gawiiwa Sirriqa, and other thousands
who
demanded Self determination, How ever this National Struggle for
decolonisation was hijacked by the Abssyinianizers, who escaped narrowly
the
death trap that followed the conflict to serve Abyssinia in better manner.
Those hijackers continued to destroy National, struggle for liberation,
how
ever thanks to disciplined sons and daughters of the Sidama , that paved
the
way for the establishment of Sidama National liberation Organization.
After the genocide of May 24, 2002 the Sidamas back home, and in
Diaspora began the exercise of strategic planning for Sidama struggle,
i.e.,
they began to investigate the strength, weaknesses, opportunities and
threats of struggle for freedom of our society. According to the findings
of the group of scholars who were doing these studies , the Sidama National
Liberation struggle was hijacked by Amharaized power hungry leaders,
who
want to mystify their leadership which is contradictory to Sidama
governance. The scholars suggested the establishment of new Political
organization whose purpose is first of all to decolonise, the Sidama
nation, from Abyssinian Colonial Yock. Secondly to democratise, the
struggle
it self, with intention of establishing democratic sidamaland sovereign
state in the horn of Africa. Thirdly to demystify the leadership of
the
struggle. The leaders of SNLO must be the first among the equals who
will
be elected by the merit of their contribution to the struggle.
These findings were distributed to the Sidama's back home and Diaspora
all
concerned Sidama's gathered in Sidama land , and established their political
organization. On behalf of the organization and my self I here by declare
the establishment of SIDAMA NATIONAL LIBERATION ORGANIZATION and invite
all
concerned Sidamas to join this genuine organization for decolonisation,
democratisation and demystification of leadership.
Honour and eternal peace for martyrs of Freedom, justice and democracy.
Barassa Daye.
Chairman, Sidama National Liberation Organization
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