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Sidama Regional Government's Anniversary Speech: What They Didn't Tell Us

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  As the Sidama Regional Government celebrated its fourth anniversary, Head of Government Mr. Desta Ledamo took the stage to highlight the administration's achievements and future plans. However, many critical issues were conspicuously absent from his speech, raising concerns among residents and observers. The omissions include high inflation, mass arrests of Sidama youth, youth unemployment, the decline of Hawassa city administration, rump corruption in the region, the lack of sustainable development projects, arbitrary arrests in general, and the overall lack of justice in the region. Today, Mr. Ledamo proudly stated that his administration would work hard to ensure the universal benefit of the people in the Sidama region over the last four years. However, this statement falls flat when considering the significant gaps in what has been promised versus what has been delivered. The head of government highlighted progress in road infrastructure, noting that over 1.3 billion birr has
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Restoring the Zero-Begging Culture of the Sidama People: An Urgent Call for Action

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  Restoring the Zero-Begging Culture of the Sidama People: An Urgent Call for Action The Sidama people, a significant ethnic group in Ethiopia, have long been renowned for their culture of refusing to beg. This self-reliant ethos has historically set the Sidama apart, earning them respect and admiration across the country. However, in recent years, this proud tradition has been increasingly eroded, giving rise to a growing number of Sidama beggars, particularly in urban centers like Hawassa and Addis Ababa. This shift marks a concerning departure from the community's foundational values and necessitates immediate intervention from both regional and federal governments. The Decline of a Proud Tradition Public discussions in Hawassa, under the theme "From Aid Dependency to Productivity for Full National Sovereignty and Honour," have highlighted the alarming rise in begging among the Sidama people. The forums stressed the need to revive and strengthen the zero-begging cultur
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Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority Grants Patent to "Affini" Book: A Call for Clarification

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In a recent and noteworthy development, the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority has granted a patent right to the author of the "Affini" book, which delves into the rich cultural values and identities of the Sidama people. While the recognition of creative works and the celebration of cultural heritage are commendable, it is essential to address a significant legal and conceptual misunderstanding: books on cultural values and identities do not qualify for patent rights. This article aims to elucidate the distinction between copyright and patent protection and to call for a clear explanation of this unusual decision. The Importance of Recognizing Cultural Works The "Affini" book is a valuable contribution to Ethiopian literature, offering insights into the traditions, customs, and identities of the Sidama people. Such works are crucial for preserving cultural heritage, fostering national identity, and promoting intercultural understanding. Authors who invest ti
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The Decline of Hawassa: A Call for Competent Leadership

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Hawassa, often hailed as the jewel of Ethiopia, is facing an unprecedented crisis under the current administration. The municipality, once a beacon of effective governance and rapid development, is now plagued by incompetence and stagnation. At the heart of this decline is the appointment of a mayor whose experience is woefully inadequate for managing a city of Hawassa's stature. The current mayor of Hawassa has a background limited to managing a small woreda town. This experience falls dramatically short of the demands of running one of Ethiopia's largest and most significant cities. Hawassa requires a leader with a comprehensive understanding of urban management, economic development, and international diplomacy. The current administration's failure to even implement 5% of the projects proposed by the former mayor is a stark indicator of their inadequacy. This dismal performance is not just a failure of project management but a betrayal of the citizens' trust and a se
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The Need for Stronger Leadership in Sidama Regional State!!

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In recent times, the Sidama Regional State has faced significant challenges in defending the integrity and security of its inhabitants, particularly in the face of unfounded attacks from various quarters, including social media influencers and random YouTubers and TikTokers. These individuals have irresponsibly portrayed Hawassa, our capital city, as a hub of insecurity, urging people to avoid visiting. Such portrayals are not only inaccurate but also detrimental to the reputation of a city that stands as one of the premier tourist destinations in Ethiopia. Hawassa is renowned for its scenic beauty, vibrant culture, and hospitable people. It has long been a favorite destination for both national and international tourists, offering a unique blend of natural attractions like Lake Hawassa and a rich cultural heritage. The city's infrastructure, amenities, and overall appeal make it a standout location for visitors seeking to explore the diverse beauty of Ethiopia. Despite this, the r
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The Politicization of Fichee Cambalaalla: A Call for Cultural Preservation

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The Sidama people's New Year celebration, Fichee Cambalaalla, has long been a cherished tradition, uniting communities in joyous festivities and cultural reverence. However, this year's turnout for the celebration has sparked concerns and raised questions about the politicization of this sacred holiday by the regional government. Traditionally, Fichee Cambalaalla draws large crowds of participants, eager to honor their heritage, celebrate their culture, and reconnect with their community. Yet, this year, the turnout has been noticeably lower, prompting many to wonder why. One of the key reasons behind this decline in participation is the perception that the regional government has co-opted Fichee Cambalaalla for political gain rather than promoting its cultural significance. Instead of focusing on preserving and honoring the traditions and values of the holiday, the government appears to be using it as a platform for political messaging and agenda-setting. It is deeply concerni
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Fasil, Sidama, Wolaitta and Insurance settle for draws

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Fasil Kenema and Sidama Coffee played to a 2-2 draw on Sunday, and it was the same result for Wolaitta Dicha and Ethiopian Insurance. Sidama Coffee got the scoring going in the 43rd minute when Michael Kporul gave them a 1-0 lead. Kalkidan Zelalem equalised for Fasil at the halfway mark with his 45th-minute goal, taking them to 1-1 at halftime. Fasil shot into the lead in the 65th minute through wingback, Amsalu Tilahun. However, Michael Kporul did have the last say for Sidama Coffee as his second goal of the match was the equaliser, ending the game at 2-2. Wolaitta Dicha and Ethiopian Insurance played a cagey first half which ended goalless. Bisrat Bekele put Wolaitta Dicha ahead in the 53rd minute and Amir Mudesir equalised for Ethiopian Insurance 20 minutes later. Bekele restored the lead for Wolaitta Dicha with 10 minutes to go in the 80th minute and the Tona Bees pressed their advantage until the 90th minute. Ethiopian Insurance didn't want to give up, and with two minutes of
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