Melbourne, 19 June 2020

At the threshold of the historic moment when the official transfer of power was conducted, on behalf of the Advocacy for Oromia (A4O), I take this opportunity to convey our congratulations and profound good wishes to the Sidama nation who have been struggling for freedom and equality over the past several decades. Indeed, it is a matter of great joy that at last the great day has come, the day of freedom for which the Sidama nation has yearned.

In 2002, our heart bled with you when the late dictator, Meles Zenawi, unleashed his local surrogate on you who indiscriminately mowed you down with machine guns at Loqe. In July 2019, our heart bled with you when government forces mowed you down simply to deny you what you earned today. Your peaceful resistance, endurance and finally your success is an exemplary model for other peoples in Ethiopia who struggle to freely exercise the rights granted to them by the constitution but denied by the very government that claims to protect its people. At this moment of your freedom, the A4O is thankful for all those who have paid heavy sacrifice and is proud to stand with all those who have supported the struggle of Sidama nation.

As Sidama state is entering into the first years of National Self-Rule, we are aware that the new nation will be confronted with the daunting problems of painful political oppression and economic exploitation, healing of people traumatized by conflict, reconstructing a battered infrastructure, restoring its economy, ensuring respect for human rights and the rule of law and improving the people’s standard of living. While the new Regional State of Sidama will have to face enormous challenges as it seeks to find its place as a free nation, it is also imperative that the people of Sidama who struggled for freedom and equality should not be denied the historic opportunity to start a new chapter in their nation’s history, marked by peace with justice. It is our hope that the leaders and people of Sidama will make every effort to ensure peace and stability in the new era.

Advocacy for Oromia is aware that the continuing role of the camaraderie movement is to accompany the people of Sidama in solidarity as they take up the many challenges and tasks of nation-building. It is also our sincere hope that the Sidama nation, with the support of the regional and international community, will take immediate steps to resolve the outstanding issues and to lay the foundation for a viable Sidama Regional state at peace.

Please accept our very best wishes for the bright and peaceful future of your state and nation.

Yours sincerely,

Dabessa Gemelal

Director

Advocacy for Oromia