Southern Ethiopian People Democratic Movement (SEPDM), which presideds over the Southern Nations Nationalities and People Region (SNNPR) is expected to make its final decision tomorrow, weather the Sidama ethnic group should be granted a referendum to form there own regional state.

The SEPDM party has sent briefings to state and state-affiliated media outlets in the country. According to a report by Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), SEPDM said that it discussed in depth current political and security issues and has resolved to foster the ongoing “change” in the country.

The issue of statehood which has been rattling the region’s politics was also an agenda item during the central committee meeting of the party. However, the party did not disclose details about the decision except saying that the central committee “took adequate time, had a mature discussion and identified direction [to implement it].”

About ten zones in Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region, as it is known by the Federal government of Ethiopia, have demanded to have a state of their own.

Political observers say the city of Hawassa could be a controversial issue knowing it’s a contested city. The ownership of the city remains disputed between various ethnic group that reside in SNNPR.

Existing Federal arrangement in Ethiopia mostly ethnic-based dominated by one ethnic group except in the case of Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region which is composed of  57 ethnic groups.

The brief from SEPDM also said, as reported by ENA, it discussed issues related to rule of law, peace, and security in the region and put directions in that regard.

It also said that the central committee reached consensus on ways of tackling challenges that the ongoing “change” is facing and resolved to work with determination and decisiveness on the issue of the unity of Ethiopia.

Many fear an outbreak of violence due to the controversy surrounding the prospects surrounding a new Sidama regional state within the borders of SNNPR. Political insiders believe allowing the Sidamas to form there own regional state would unravel a Pandora’s Box as many ethnic groups in SNNPR would declare autonomy, leadeing to the disintegration of SNNPR.

We will keep you updated with the latest developments from the region.

Halgan Media