Sidama Liberation Front

Political Programme

WE BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND

PREAMBLE

Whereas, the Sidama people have been fighting successive regimes of Ethiopia since 1890s for self determination and protect the interests of our people.

Whereas, it is high time the Sidama people and other nations and nationalities in Ethiopia unite and work together in their struggle against tyrannical regimes that have been terrorizing them for over a century.

Whereas, creating a new social contract with other nations and nationalities in the struggle against brutal and oppressive minority dictatorial regime to bring about democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights is undeniably beneficial for Sidama interest and the interests of other nations, nationalities and peoples in Ethiopia. This new social contract will bring a lasting solution and an end to the iron grip of oppression and subjugation on peoples who have been suffering for centuries.

Whereas, in order to lead the struggle to the new phase, we need a new vision and visionary leaders who don't only talk about Sidama struggle, but also understand the role the Sidama struggle and the Sidama people should play in liberating itself from century’s old tyranny and pave the way for all peoples to exercise their inalienable rights.

Whereas, SNLF as a vanguard party of the Sidama people and, after careful assessment of the struggle from all forms, we decide to formulate a new vision with clear goals not only for the Sidama people but also for other peoples in Ethiopia who have been suffering because of lack of freedom, liberty, justice, equality & democracy for centuries in the hands of those who imposed themselves on us at the gun point.

Now therefore, having reviewed the achievements and failures of our political vision so far, we adopted a revised political program with a revised vision for our people.

1. The vision of SNLF

To see the Sidama nation achieve good governance, peace justice and inclusive and sustainable socioeconomic development where democratic rights of all nations and nationalities, and peoples in Ethiopia are fully respected.

2. The goal of SNLF

To achieve a full degree of self rule in Sidama State and contribute to the formation of a new Democratic Federal Republic of Ethiopia that will be established by the consent of the people based on principle of multinational federalism, democracy, equality, freedom, liberty, justice, and rule of law.

3. Objectives

The objectives of the SNF shall be:

3.1 To fully liberate the Sidama nation from systemic political, economic, social and cultural marginalization by the successive Ethiopian regimes;

3.2 To attain a full degree of self-rule within the borders of the Sidama nation;

3.3 To defend the rights and democratic gains made following the adoption of the 1995 constitution that guarantees the right of every nation to self-determination including secession.

3.4 To build a political system in which the government is freely chosen by the people in according to the principles of universal suffrage;

3.5 To fight for social justice and ensure peace and security and rule of law in the Sidama National Regional State.

3.6 To promote sustainable economic development, eliminate poverty and inequality and protect the environment.

3.7 To develop the Sidama language, culture and preserve the history of the Sidama nation.

3.8 To support and advance the cause of women's empowerment.

3.9 To support the empowerment of the youth and improve their access to economic opportunities.

3.10 To safeguard the rights of children, women elderly and the disabled.

3.11 To rebuild the Sidama cultural heritage including the Elder’s councils, Songo, Fichchee, Luwa, and other similar Sidama heritages.

3.12 To lead all forms of struggle to dismantle the fascist rule of the so called Prosperity Party regime to enable the peoples in Ethiopia to form a new union based on democracy and rule of law for all of its citizens.

3.13 To coordinate the struggle with others political forces that accept the principle of equality, freedom, liberty, justice, rule of law and democracy to the extent of forming a common front together.

3.14 To organize and lead the Sidama struggle to a new phase with a clear vision, where the will of our people is respected in all stages.

4. SNLF Policies

SNLF policies are organized into four thematic areas. These are: Theme 1: Social development; Theme 2: Economic transformation and inclusive growth; Theme 3: Infrastructure development for a competitive economy, and Theme 4: Good governance, justice and security.

Theme 1: Social development

4.1.1 Education

a) Primary and secondary education

i) Education in all stages will be encouraged.

ii) Ensure universal access to primary education and higher enrolment and completion rates in secondary schools in Sidama State;

iii) Ensure better quality of basic education (primary and secondary) in Sidama State through improved school infrastructure, books, teachers training and improved access to computer literacy.

iv) Writing and reading is mandatory. Special support will be given to women.

v) Ensure girls have equal access to basic education in Sidama State;

vi) Ensure Sidaamuafoo is a medium of instruction in primary schools across Sidama State and thought as a subject in secondary schools;

vii) Ensure that all Ollaa or villages in Sidama State have at least one primary school and each district has at least one high school.

viii) Publication, arts, music and sports should be encouraged and supported by government.

b) Tertiary education

i) Access to tertiary education will be improved through quality basic education and infrastructure development

ii) Tertiary institutions will focus on skills needed by the Sidama State economy.

c) Technical education and skills development

i) The Sidama State based on its special needs can open educational and technical training institutions.

ii) Technical and vocational education and training program should focus on the skil needs of the economy of the Sidama State.

4.1.2 Health

a) Public Health Services

i) The Public Health Policy will focus on prevention, treatments and rehabilitation.

ii) Public health services will be expanded especially in rural areas. The government will have a responsibility to open clinics with adequate trained personnel for the public good.

iii) The government will focus on public risk diseases that have national impact by inspecting, controlling, and preventing.

iv) Workers, women, youth, elders, and disabled persons will receive the support of the regional government.

v) Children under five years of age should get free medical care. New program will be formulated concerning free access to health care. Family planning will be encouraged.

vi) Family being the base of society will be given due respect and consideration by the regional government.

vii) Access to water and sanitation will be enhanced to support primary health care policy.

4.1.3 Sidama culture and language

a) Develop and preserve Sidama culture including Fichchee, Luwa, Songo, and other cultural heritages.

b) Develop Sidaamuafoo through literature and as a medium of instruction at schools and working language of the Sidama State.

c) Build institutions of Cimeessa as well as Yakka to preserve wisdom and cultivate the values of truth ( halaale) in Sidama society.

4.1.4 Women empowerment

a) Ensure women are adequately represented in political decision making processes in Sidama State at all levels.

b) Ensure women have equal access to economic opportunities and fully participate in economic development of the region.

4.1.5 Children and the disabled

a) Ensure children and disabled persons receive full protection by the regional government and its structures at all levels.

4.1.6 Social protection

a) Develop social protection policy to address social vulnerabilities due to livelihood insecurity, natural disaster or other calamities.

Theme 2: Economic transformation and inclusive growth

4.2.1 Economic policy

a) Sidama will follow free market economy.

b) The government will not be involved in economic activities except in the areas that need government involvement for the welfare of the common good.

c) The government will encourage the transformation of the e agricultural sector through the use of modern technologies to improve productivity, food security and industrialization.

d) Sidama State Government will pursue agriculture led industrialization strategy.

e) The Sidama State government will support small scale industries to create jobs for youth and contribute to the overall economic development of the region.

f) Private and public property will be delineated by the law.

g) Everybody has the right to engage in trade; in any profession based on his/her interest.

h) State government will formulate regional economic policies including regional fiscal policy i.e. tax and expenditure policies among others. Local government cannot impose tax and collect tax without the permission of state government.

i) State government will facilitate conditions for adoption and use of the 4th Industrial Revolution to faster faster and inclusive growth.

4.2.2 Job creation

a) The priority of the State government is to ensure inclusive growth and job creation for the youth.

4.2.3 Financial sector development

a) Access to finance will be improved through main stream financial intermediation and microfinance development.

4.2.4 Investment promotion

a) The State government will reform regional business regulations and develop a regional investment policy to attract both domestic and foreign direct investments.

4.2.5 Environment, natural resources and climate change

a) All economic, scientific and technological development should be focused on safety of the land and those who live on the land including environmental protection.

b) All activities undertaken by individuals, family, groups, organizations and state should focus on the protection of nature and environment so that these resources should be properly preserved for the current and future generations.

c) The State government will develop policy on environment, natural resources management and climate change in line with the global commitments.

4.2.6 Land use and management

a) The land in Sidama is the property of the state of Sidama. The Administration of land should be by State Board (duties and responsibilities will be described in the constitution of Sidama state)

b) The use of land, either by the government or private individuals will be determined by law.

c) Except land used by farmers, othe land is under control of community and/or government for the common good and welfare of the society.

d) Underground resources, resource on the land, forest, water are owned by the government. The government controls these resources for the common welfare.

e) When the government develops underground or other resources, it will make sure that the people who live on these lands will benefit from the attempted endeavor.

f) To enable the farmers to maintain and develop their land, the government will provide them with necessary support.

g) Land taken from peoples under different pretext like investment and for government financial benefits will be restored for the benefit of the people.

h) Underground resource will be protected such that it will benefit the current and future generations.

i) The land policy pursued by the current regime led by the prosperity party which destroys natural resources particularly forests will be reversed and the restoration of the destroyed forest and other resources will be the focus of the government.

h) Urban Land

i) All Urban lands inside Sidama State belongs to the Sidama state and that they will be managed by the Sidama government. The Sidama State will develop a regional policy on urban land use.

ii) All citizens have the right to acquire land for residence anywhere he/she likes.

iii) Eviction of farmers either from rural or near town lands is illegal and prohibited in Sidama State

iv) Notwithstanding section (iii) if the land is needed for economic development of the region state, it will be taken after fair compensation and alternative plots are allocated to these evicted farmers.

Theme 3: Infrastructure development for competitive economy

4.3.1 Energy

i) Sidama State will develop energy policy to ensure universal access to electricity focusing on renewable sources

ii) Electricity generation, transmission and distribution will be open to private sector in Sidama State

iii) Public private partnerships ( PPPs ) will be encouraged in the energy sector.

4.3.2 Transport

i) Sidama State will build road networks to connect all districts and villages in Sidama State

ii) Roads that connect district capitals will be tar marked.

iii) All villages in Sidama State will be connected by all weather roads

4.3.3 Water and sanitation

i) All villages will have access to safe and clean water

ii) Both urban and rural communities will.improved access to sanitation

4.3.4 ICT

i) Depending on federal ICT policy the Sidama State will create an enabling environment for universal access to internet in the State

ii) ICT will anchor transition to and adoption of the 4th Industrial Revolution

iii) The Sidama State will develop an enabling environment for ecommerce in the State

Theme 4: Good governance, human rights, justice and security

4.4.1 Rights of citizens

a) The rights of all Ethiopian citizens to live and work in Sidama State are respected.

b) The rights of minority groups and individuals in Sidama State shall be respected and guaranteed by the Constitution of the State

4.4.2 Power of the Sidama People

a) In Sidama State, the power belongs to the Sidama People.

b) The power of the people will be manifested through direct or representative democracy in all stage of the government from Federal down to the state, and governed by those whom the peoples democratically elect.

c) The election in all stages will be done by those eligible to vote and those eighteen years of age and above

d) At all levels, elections are conducted by secret ballot.

e) The people have the power to recall or remove those whom they elect to govern them. The procedures will be determined by the law.

f) The people have the right to decide important issues by referendum at State level.

4.4.3 Human rights

a) Human rights and fundamental right of a human being is respected and inviolable.

b) Servitude, harassment, intimidation is prohibited. Everybody has the right to live peacefully and securely.

c) Discrimination based on race, gender, religions, national origin, and all forms of discriminations are prohibited by the law.

d) The right to own property, equality before the law, right of movement, right of residence, freedom of religion is protected by the law.

4.4.4 Democratic Rights

a) Democratic right of individuals, such as freedom of expression, the right to association, right to own property and all other democratic rights are respected.

b) The right to self-determination of the Sidama people and other nations and nationalities in Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia will be respected.

4.4.5 Government

a) The Sidama State is the member of the Ethiopian multinational federation. It will work with other nations and peoples to establish by a free consent of all nations and peoples a federal form of government that respects and protects the rights of all peoples based on equality, democracy, peace, justice, and rule of law.

4.4.6 Legislature

a) The peoples' congress (Songo) will be established at State, Zone, District and Ollaa levels.

b) The election of the Members of the congress will be conducted in secret ballot.

c) The term of the members of the congress is five years

d) The Songo will elect Parliamentary Oversight Committee at State level.

e) The members of the house of federation will be from each federal state based on their population.

f) Members of the house of federation from Sidama State will be directly elected by the people.

4.4.7 Executive

a) The party that wins election in Sidama State forms the executive branch of the government.

b) The term limit for executive branch is five years.

c) Each state has President who is the Head of State.

d) The State President is elected by the party that wins the election.

4.4.8 Judiciary

a) The power of judiciary rests in courts.

b) The Courts are independent and free from any form of influence.

c) The courts have the power to interpret and enforce the law in all stages of the government.

d) The judges of the Supreme Court and state and zone courts will be elected directly by the people or nominated by the president and confirmed by the Congress/Songo/parliament.

e) At state level, the judges are nominated by the president of the state and confirmed by the house of the states' representatives or elected by the people through direct ballot.

4.4.9 State of Sidama

a) Sidama State will form Council of Elders and its role will be determined by law.

b) The Government of Sidama State consists of the Government Structures at State, Zone, District and Ollaa levels.

c) The goal of state government is to enable the people to exercise a full degree of self rule and fully participate in State socio-economic development.

d) The state government imposes tax and collects non-tax revenues and prepares annual budget to deliver basic social and economic services and promote rapid development of state economy.

4.4.10 Public Services

a) Public services will be independent of political affiliation and should be based on merit, professionalism, integrity and trust of the people at all levels of government.

4.4.11 Rule of law

a) Nobody shall be above the law. State, Zone, District and Ollaa government officials, individuals and groups, and every citizen in the State will abide by the rule of law.

b) The Sidama State government is secular and free from influence of any religion. Neither does it interfere in any religion.

c) All religions shall be respected and protected by State and other levels of government.

d) There will be no discrimination against any groups or individuals based on religion.

4.4.12 Sidama Special force and police

a) The Sidama special force and police will be trained and built professionally to protect the safety and security of State civilians. They are independent and non-partisan and are free from any party affiliation.

b) The federal defense forces will be called upon in the case of natural disasters to help those who are affected. Except in the case of natural disaster, the federal defence forces do not involve in State security affairs.

4.4.13 External Affairs (Relations).

a) Our external affairs policy will be based on good neighborhood, development partnership, mutual benefits and peaceful co-existence.

b) We will abide by United Nations Character, African Union Charter and Regional charters in exercising our external engagements .

c) We will work to promote peaceful resolution of conflicts based on negotiation, mediation, and democratic principles founded and values of Sidama nation truth (halaale) and consensus (Affini).

This program is amended by The Sidama National Liberation Front on 02/12/22