Sidama was previously a part of Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples´Region (SNNPR) with Zonal Administration level. It has become Ethiopia´s 10 th regional state in a referendum conducted on November, 2019.

The Czech Republic has had a long-standing relations with this region through Development Cooperation projects. Just 3 weeks ago, Ambassador of the Czech Republic and President of the Sidama Region inaugurated new Water Supply Scheme in Awassa Zurya. CzechAid implements 5 other Development projects in this region.

Tens of thousands of people gathered in Awassa to celebrate the official inauguration of the new Region with various traditional activities, such as horse-riding, dance and singing.

Awassa City deputy Mayor, Ato Tsegaye Tuke in his speech commended the current Federal Government for its decission to provide a lasting solution to the quest for statehood and stability.

The President of the new Sidama Region, H.E. Desta Lodamo thanked for support of the other regional states and added, that the new region will closely cooperate and support all the other regions.

Delegations from all regional states, City Administrations of Addis Abeba and Dire Dawa, as well as members of the diplomatic community attended the official inauguration.