Ethiopia Holds Referendum for Sidama People

• Ethiopia Holds Referendum for Sidama People

Africa’s second-largest nation, Ethiopia, will announce the results of the referendum held for the creation of a new regional state for the Sidama people on Saturday.

According to Fana, a state-affiliated media, the result is being collated and will be announced on Saturday.

Despite speculation that the outcome could spur other ethnic groups to demand autonomy in a country with 100 million people and nine ethnic groups, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed congratulated the Sidama people on Thursday for “holding a peaceful and democratic referendum”.

The hugely diverse country runs a federal system that allows the creation of an autonomous state.

“This is the happiest day of my life. I believe this is a day signalling peace and freedom. I believe the people will get peace now. So the joy I feel inside is incomparable,” one of the voters told BBC.