Alliance of Progressives in Ethiopia
Empowering Southern Nations through Action, Research, and Advocacy
About us
Who we are
The Alliance of Progressives in Ethiopia (APE) was founded to advocate for socio-political and community leaders from the historically marginalized nations and nationalities of Southern Ethiopia – including but not limited to Sidama, Wolaita, Hadiya, Kambata, Gamo, and over 90 others. United by a shared vision of self-determination, federal pluralism, and justice, APE emerged in response to decades of political exclusion, economic inequality, and cultural erasure.
Our Founders
APE's founders are a diverse coalition of civic actors: scholars, lawyers, researchers, grassroots organizers, elders, and youth from across the Southern Nations. Many have been engaged in nonviolent advocacy, constitutional reform efforts, and community development for decades. Together, they embody APE's ethos of generational wisdom, cultural pride, and inclusive leadership.
Our Mission
APE's mission is to advance the political, economic, social, and cultural empowerment of Southern Ethiopian nations and nationalities. We do this through:
- •Rigorous, community-driven research
- •Strategic advocacy and legal reform
- •Inclusive coalition-building
- •Grassroots civic education and leadership development
- •Monitoring and documenting human rights violations
- •Promoting sustainable, decentralized governance under the Ethiopian Constitution and international law
Latest Updates
Stay informed on civic actions, research insights, and updates from the Alliance of Progressives in Ethiopia.
Understanding Article 39: What Self-Determination Really Means
A breakdown of Ethiopia's constitutional promise of self-rule and what it means for historically marginalized nations and nationalities.
Why Representation Matters in Ethiopia's Southern Nations
Exploring underrepresentation and why true federalism must include proportional voices from all ethnic and regional groups.
Federalism Beyond Theory: Local Voices in Action
Stories from APE's grassroots civic education workshops and how communities are shaping governance from below.
Upcoming Events
National Webinar
Federalism and Self-Determination: Rights or Rhetoric?
July 10, 2025 • 6 PM EAT • Online (Zoom)
Community Workshop
Grassroots Organizing for Social Change
July 24, 2025 • 9 AM EAT • Hawassa, Ethiopia
Our Principles
Self-Determination & Cultural Integrity
Upholding internal self-rule and cultural preservation.
Equity & Intersectional Justice
Addressing exclusion across ethnicity, gender, and class.
Federal Pluralism
Advocating for meaningful decentralized governance.
Democracy & Accountability
Promoting fair elections and grassroots participation.
Economic Justice
Ensuring equitable resource access and sustainable development.
Civic Engagement
Promoting human rights, civic education, and non-partisanship.
Legal Compliance
Operating within Ethiopian and international law.
Transparency
Committing to open governance and ethical leadership.
Our Work
Empowering Southern Nations through Action, Research, and Advocacy
APE transforms shared struggles into unified power through five interconnected areas of work. Each area advances self-determination, federal pluralism, and justice in alignment with the Ethiopian Constitution and international human rights law.
Advocacy
Advocating for electoral and institutional reforms that ensure proportional representation and equitable participation from all Southern Nations.
Research
We promote policies that ensure fair revenue distribution, secure land rights, and inclusive development. APE supports local economies through community-based initiatives, empowering farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs to thrive with dignity and ownership.
Initiatives
APE actively monitors and reports human rights abuses affecting Southern communities. Through legal advocacy, documentation, and support for victims, we work to hold institutions accountable and amplify the struggles of the unheard.
Civic Education
We provide education and training on constitutional rights, federalism, and democratic participation. By equipping youth, elders, and local leaders with the tools to understand and influence governance, we build the foundations of accountable, people-powered systems.
International Cooperation
APE engages with international partners to raise awareness, secure technical support, and advocate for justice on a broader scale. We build strategic alliances that respect Ethiopia's sovereignty while strengthening civic power across borders.
Get Involved
Join our movement for justice and empowerment through various ways of participation.
Join the Movement
Become part of our growing community working for progressive change in Ethiopia.
Volunteer With Us
Use your time and skills to support our research, advocacy, and community programs.
Support Financially
Your donation helps fund our advocacy work, research, and community programs.
Partner With Us
Organizations can collaborate with us to amplify our impact and reach.
Stories from the South
Real voices, real impact. See how our work transforms lives across Southern Ethiopia.
Alemnesh's Story
Farmer from Wolaita
"APE's training helped our cooperative secure fair prices for our crops. Now we can send our children to school without worry."
Education Initiative
1,200+ children gained access to quality education through our school support programs.
Women's Empowerment
85 women started businesses after our microfinance training in Hadiya zone.
Land Rights Victory
Helped 3 communities reclaim ancestral lands through legal advocacy.
Resources
Insights, tools, and knowledge for justice and empowerment
Policy Briefs
Research-driven policy recommendations on federalism, decentralization, economic justice, representation, and land rights. These briefs are designed to support community leaders, policy-makers, and civil society actors with actionable insights.
Equitable Federalism: Rethinking Representation in Southern Ethiopia
Displacement Without Redress: Human Rights in the Wolaita and Konso Zones
Human Rights Reports
In-depth reports documenting rights violations across Southern Ethiopia, with testimonies, legal analysis, and recommendations for justice. These reports support advocacy, accountability, and international awareness.
Educational Tools
Resources for civic education, including training manuals, workshop slides, youth handbooks, and simplified guides to the Ethiopian Constitution and federal structure.
Know Your Rights: A Civic Education Toolkit for Southern Communities
Connect with our teams. We're here to collaborate, support, and respond.
Whether you're interested in membership, media interviews, research partnerships, volunteering, or simply learning more about our work — we'd love to hear from you.
Visit Us
Addis Ababa & Washington, D.C. (HQ)
Chat to Us
alliance.ape@gmail.com
