Finally the Sidama referendum took place in November 2019, and the long-awaited Sidama National Regional State was established after a majority of 98% voted for statehood. Much of the credit goes to the SLM and the first year anniversary of the establishment of the Sidama National Regional State but the party’s stern silence after the establishment of the region begs more questions about its internal dynamics. https://addisstandard.com/in-depth-analysis-as-the-sidama-state-prepares-for-its-first-year-anniversary-a-look-at-past-challenges-future-plans/

The regional government has been providing training for the members of the unnamed armed group and holding reconciliation ceremonies with the community. https://addisstandard.com/news-benishangul-gumuz-regional-government-appoints-25-former-rebels-in-different-positions/

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) also said that it is monitoring reports of arrests of media personnel in Addis Abeba as well as residents of Tigray origin suspected of connection with the ongoing situation in the region and warned, “Such measures could aggravate the public‘s concerns on the risk of ethnic profiling.” https://addisstandard.com/news-analysis-fresh-wave-of-arbitrary-arrest-of-tigrayans-in-addis-abeba-rights-commission-says-it-is-monitoring-the-situation-fed-police-deny-arrests-target-tigrayans/

While Tilahun Yami, the first defendant on the file was found guilty of violating anti-terrorisom proclamation 1176/2012 Article 3, The second defendant on the file, Kebede Gemechu was found guilty of violating penal codes 540. https://addisstandard.com/news-fed-court-passes-guilty-verdict-on-three-defendants-in-hachalu-hundessa-assasination-trial/

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addressed in today’s 4th session of the House of People’s Representative (HoPR) special meeting, the issue of the Tigray conflict and the process of withdrawal of Ethiopian soldiers from the region. In his explanation, the PM stated that the decision of withdrawing the military from Tigray was pre planned and properly arranged. https://addisstandard.com/news-analysis-authorities-in-tigray-accept-ceasefire-in-principle-lay-out-conditions-as-amhara-region-president-calls-for-more-youth-to-mobilize-to-defend-region/

In a letter from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Demeke Mekonnen and sent to the United Nations Security Council, Ethiopia says it “rejects the unwelcome meddling by the League of Arab States on the matter of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).” https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopia-tells-unsc-it-rejects-unwelcome-meddling-by-league-of-arab-states/

“The repeated rearrest & abduction of political prisoners who are freed by the court made us lose hope in the justice system.” https://t.co/kuO6NjkUS2