WHEREAS, the Dire Dawa City has been accountable to and directed by the Federal Government since 1993, as per the decision thereof, until such time that the then claims of the Somalia and Oromia Regions would be finally resolved;

WHEREAS, a legal foundation that enables self-administration is necessary to ensure good governance and to expedite development in Dire Dawa City until a lasting solution is secured;

WHEREAS, it is necessary to create conducive conditions that capacitate the City to render trade, industry, and other services for the eastern parts of the country;

WHEREAS, it is necessary to clearly legislate conditions that enable Dire Dawa to be governed as a modern and competitive work and residential city in which the well-being of its residents is ensured, and efficient and cost-effective municipal service is equitably delivered;  

WHEREAS, it is necessary to confer self-government power on the residents of Dire Dawa and to legally determine the organizational structures and operations of the city in conformity with democratic principles, good governance, order, and contemporary trends of growth and development;  

NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the provisions of Article 55 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, it is hereby proclaimed as follows: