STATEMENT FROM THE OROMO LIBERATION FRONT (OLF)
The National Council of Oromo Liberation Front has successfully completed its regular meeting that was held from March 16 to 21, 2008. During its meeting the National Council extensively deliberated, among others, on important issues relevant to the Organization, the Oromo people, the Ethiopian Government and the Horn of Africa and passed the below resolutions.
In its three decades long history, the Oromo Liberation Front has passed through ups and downs and it is continuing to rally the Oromo people in its struggle. The fundamental political objectives of the OLF, the realization of the Oromo People’s inalienable rights to self-determination, are intact. These fundamental objectives of the OLF are supported by millions of Oromos. In order to soon realize the fundamental objectives of the OLF, the Council has directed its Executive Committee to organize and conduct multifaceted struggle.
To thwart the Oromo people’s support for the OLF, the TPLF regime/the Ethiopian Government has engaged in unparalleled suppression of the Oromo people. The heinous atrocities the TPLF regime is perpetrating on the Oromo people is intensifying. Even the Oromo refugees who fled the country due to persecution and fear of persecution by the regime are not safe from the inhuman and cruel atrocities that TPLF regimes unleashed on the Oromo people. The recent mass killing/massacre of the Oromo refugees in Bosasso, Somalia, perpetrated by the TPLF regime’s forces is another evidence of the inhuman and cruel atrocities that the TPLF regime is perpetrating on the Oromo people inside and outside the country. The National Council of the Oromo Liberation Front again vigorously condemns the TPLF regime’s cruel and inhuman action taken against the Oromo refugees in Bosasso.
The National Council noted and appreciated the Oromo people’s support for the OLF that is unabated in spite of the TPLF regime’s arbitrary arrests, wanton and extra-judicial killings, dispossessions and other appalling human rights violations. The National Council again calls upon the Oromo people to continue its defiance of the tyranny of the TPLF regime, to foil the regime’s divide and rule tactics/ schemes and to double its just struggle until its legitimate aspirations for liberation, human rights and democracy are achieved.
There is no form of suppression and atrocity that the minority based TPLF regime did not and will not commit to perpetrate its tyrannical rule. The atrocities that the TPLF regime is committing against the people are evidence that substantiates the TPLF regimes unwillingness to peacefully and democratically address the peoples’ political questions for liberation and democracy. As a result, the TPLF regime, in contravention of its own constitution, international laws and norms, is escalating the suppression of and atrocities against the peoples of the country. It is also continuing its interference in the internal affairs of the neighbouring countries. The TPLF regime is an anti-peace and anti-stability force in the Horn of Africa. The Council, therefore, reminds and warns that the TPLF regime that it shall be responsible for the consequences of the tensions and worrisome situation that is prevailing the Horn of Africa.
It is to be recalled that the TPLF regime has repeatedly pledged to the peoples of the country and the international community that it is committed to bring democracy, peace and development to Ethiopia. Nevertheless, the hitherto process and records of the TPLF regime show that the regime conducts sham and rigged periodic elections for the sake of “legitimizing” its tyrannical rule. The truth the regimes’ records show beyond doubt is the TPLF regime lacks the political will and capacity to organize free and fair elections and to accept the verdict of the people. We, therefore, call up on all political forces that are struggling for liberation and democracy to pull our forces and resources together and remove from power the anti-people, anti-democracy and anti-peace regime of the TPLF and pave the way for liberation, democracy, peace and development.
The gross human rights violations it has engaged in, the economic exploitation and dispossession of the people it has embarked up on, its sinister acts of divide and rule and the acts pitting and inciting people of the country against one another and the wanton interference in the internal affairs, the aggression and occupation of neighbouring countries unmistakably demonstrate that the TPLF regime is an anti-peace force that is destabilizing the Horn of Africa. In a total disregard to the TPLF tyrannical regimes’ glaring bad human rights records and shameful and irresponsible behaviour, the Western Countries’ continued their economic, political, diplomatic and military support to the regime. The Western Countries’ support to the TPLF regime is not only saddening; it also contravenes their publicly known policies and stated declarations. Therefore, the OLF National Council calls up on Western Countries to review and reconsider their policies towards the tyrannical TPLF regime and stand with the OLF and other forces of liberation, democracy, justice, peace and progress.
Victory to the Oromo People!
National Council of the OLF
March 21, 2008
8 thoughts on “Resolution of the OLF’s 3rd National Council Meeting”
I have no grudge with the OLF but I always find its stand on the unity of Ethiopia and the repression on people of Ethiopia other than Oromos less discerning alienating. I am an Oromo myself and never believe that the Soviet style self-determination will work. If it does, it would be realized in Ethiopia. Once again the OLF reiterated that “The fundamental political objectives of the OLF is the realization of the Oromo People’s inalienable rights to self-determination.” I am not rushing to criticize the statement but to point out where the OLF is failing. I agree; the Oromo people deserve their inalienable rights. However, the OLF should realize that this cannot be achieved without the correct context, Ethiopia and Ethiopians. We know the TPLF, from the outset, has always announced that it stands for the realization of the Tigray people’s rights to self determination [same to what OLF says but with reference to another group]. The problem is what we see now is not what was promised. We know that TPLF never intended to be a democratic force. Rather, it proved to be a force driving Ethiopians into a disaster, killing and detaining thousands everyday. If the OLF wants us to believe that it wants to do the same [give Oromos the rights of self determination], how about other peoples of Ethiopia? How about the unity of Ethiopia that TPLF puts into danger? Does OLF believe people can live in peace when there is division? Is that not what we are seeing in Ethiopia? Is that not what we [OLF included] are condemning? The OLF needs to do some soul searching and answer these and many other questions before it expects thousands to support its cause.
Tsega,
I could not agree more. You truly hit it on the nail. What the OLF needs to understand is what is at stake in the larger picture vis a vis Ethiopia and other Ethiopians. It is hight time for the OLF to realize that they can’t do it alone, if they want to be effective
how come a majority of the country want self determination? they suppose to seek power and be the boss forever. i suggest olf to reconsider its position and try to unite with the rest of the country and hold on to power. as a majority, if there is democracy the oromo people should be at the top.
Here is an excert from an article written by Robele Ababiya, a Oromo ethiopian unionist. He has some advise for the OLF leadership.
OLF expected doing more in dispelling mistrust
Commentaries by the OLF radio broadcast on 04 February 2008, 07 February 2008 and 12 February 2008 seemed to convey a glimmer of hope that there is serious consideration by the leadership to dispel mistrust in their call for unity of all ethnic groups in the struggle for democracy in Ethiopia. The first broadcast carried positive commentary on the Battle of Adwa bringing to light that Emperor Menelik’s army included 8000 Oromos cavalry [mainly] from northern Shewa. In the second and third broadcasts a powerful message was sent to Zenawi that he can no longer pit the Oromos against Amharas, Gouraghes, Tigreans and other ethnic groups in his divide-and-rule gimmick. That should send a shiver down the spine of the tyrant. But the assertion in the broadcast that Ormos were not recognized for their contribution needs to be revisited in view of the facts captured in the following paragraph.
This writer has in one of his articles argued that Oromos were included in the corridors of political power in the governance of Ethiopia. For example, the renowned Fitawrari Hapte Giorgis Dinegde as Minister of War and the great warrior Ras Gobena Dache served their country with distinction during the reign of Menelik. The latter was one of two top dignitaries in the entire kingdom on whom the coveted highest rank of Ras was conferred. Mulugetta Buli and Abebe Gemeda served as Commanding Generals of the elite Imperial Body Guard under Emperor Haile Selassie. Proportionately much higher Oromo officers held key military and security posts under the Dergue regime. Therefore, it goes without saying that Oromos have been at the center of power all along from time immemorial. They will not surrender their heritage of victory in the Battle of Adwa; they will stay together in peace and harmony with other ethnic groups as demonstrated in the historic election of 15 May 2005 amounting to a referendum. The voice of the people will be respected. Now that it has come to light that TPLF was all along from the beginning subservient to EPLF (Shaebia), the OLF should consider closing its office in Asmara and take its rightful place as integrator of Ethiopia thus doing quite the opposite of Zenawi who is bent on the disintegrating our country.
Oromos in northern Shewa including this writer embrace Menelik II as one of their own by blood and fondly admire his ingenuity, statesmanship and compassion for the common person. Ethiopia or Abyssinia was understood by Europeans as the entire black Africa, the colonizing of which Menelik II did his best to resist. He was respected and given credit even by the colonizers as a hero who held his own in protecting the heritage of his ancestors.
The OLF should do more to dispel its image of a separatist ‘perceived’ by others. As claimant to its numerical superiority of being the first largest ethnic group in Ethiopia and the second in the African continent, it should project the image of a democratic force in the struggle for the stability of the Horn of Africa and ultimate unity of the continent. Self-determination including secession does not fit logically in its agenda of national liberation movement. Be liberated from which occupier and secede to where are two formidable questions it has to answer logically.
Oromos should embrace Menelik II as one of their own by blood. They should own and take pride in the victory of Adwa under His leadership. Bringing stability to the Horn of Africa is the responsibility of all ethnic groups of Ethiopia. The majority cannot run away from responsibility.
For more on the article refer to :
http://www.addisvoice.com/article/tragedycolo.htm
Tsega,
It seems that you are either pretending to win the heart and mind of your readers or you are misspeaking. you are not what you meant. being Oromo does not qualify you to speak on behalf of all Oromos. Who knows you might be born from Oromo family but sold out for your daily bread. You said that OLF has to revisite its stand? we Oromos knew that all Abesha rulers committed crime againt Oromos. Some of those who cry for the unity of Ethiopia are not even ready to say sorry let alone to think for the next step. Even thogugh Oromos are known for its forgivenes and tolerance we are no longer in Favore of Unity unless their is dramatic change in the perceiption and think of the so called Amhara elite. We know this does not come from this generation at all. Look Tazabi’s article which is short sighted and want to convince us by pulling out a paragraph from an article. For people like my ‘brother’ Tazabi silence is the best revenge. Because person like Tazabi is obsessed by their own philosophy. He think that the problem of Oromo is solved by “thinkers” (if such ‘thinking’ ever bring him to the state of thinkers) like him. We told them thousand time, but they couldn’t understand. They convinced themselve not to understand the truth and reality. For them the Problem of Oromo is created by few Oromo nationalist. The truth is far from their false perceiption. What we Oromo people are saying is let’s leave this decision to the Oromo people. No one has the right to decide on oromo future or on behalf of Oromo. It is not even OLF or any one elses business. It is the business Of Oromo People. It is ONLY the people of Oromo who can decide living in unity with the rest or independently as State of Oromia. Whether you like it or not you can’t do any thing. The ball is on the side of Oromo people. We know your Existance and survival (Ethiopia as a nation) without Oromia is hard to belive and think.
If you think that Ethiopia is also mother land to Oromos, the brightest mind and independent son and daughters of Oromo shouldn’t suffer in prison for a mere fact of thinking independently outside the circle or for support the independent Oromo state. “The prison shouldn’t speak Oromfia” at all. As a result you know that we are not made to feel Ethiopian. we made not to love Ethiopia as you do. so let the people of Oromia deceide whether they want unity or not. Why many Ethiopia elites fear Referendum on unity? becasue they know what they did behind the cartin and what they say in public. that is over. thanks to Oromo scholars many uncovered things are crystal clear now.
I couldn’t agree more than what has been suggested by the above deep thinker of Ethiopians.
OLF leadership with no time wasting, and no more damage by Woyane thugs to Ethiopia, must come forward to show their capability to distinguish the mistrust with in many ethnic groups and lead to the liberation of the whole Ethiopia.
You should change the slogan from “victory to the Oromo” to “Victory to the Ethiopian nation” so that individual rights, justice , democratic rights and development prevails.
OLF leadership should had been aggressive to make unite the many progressive organizations to show for all Ethiopians; it is the new , 21st century political movement. Infact they know we are fighting not only woyanes but International conspiracy against Ethiopia. The only way we Ethiopians can be free from this huge conspiracy is by unity within Ethiopians. I donot care whether OLF is on the driver sit as long as its vision is inclusive of all parts of Ethiopia. You should ask your self; If you did not bring solutions up until now there must be a soul searching with in the OLF and ask why? You know OLF is included as a terrorist organization? what does that show? that means there is some big force behind woyane which not only OLF but the whole of Ethiopian parties must take part for the speedy eradication of woyane. I hope you listen for the plight of All Ethiopians.!The more you wait the more you loose the ground to stay even as an organization.
wey zemen
Citizens have a handle on please. The Oromo intellectuals know what they want and what they mean to do. We have a very unambiguous history of fairness and unadulterated morality that emanates from our fundamental doctrine. Our civilization and social system had been based on Gada democracy. In Gada democracy there is not alienation of man. Human relationship is deeply compassionate and totally democratic to its atomic diversification within our social grades. We had never alienate or discriminate against fellow human beings. Look at our system of governance and culture and understand our world outlooks and the methods we had put in place to solve our basic social problems. We could understand each other only if you understand us by looking at us through our own criterions.
I fail to understand the Amhara and Tigrayan intellectuals who wraps me up with their own worldout looks and thereby coming up with a solution to the problems that exists in the Ethiopian Empire. Most of the time if am not too harsh; they run for their guns while they are writing articles with mere pencils. Let me say it again we are very tolerant and could accommodate anybody if we are taken as people within our own rights. The Ethiopian rulers and kings had never accepted that and they had taken over our systems and put us under their own social system to exploit and oppress us for centuries. ONE LNAGUGE AND ONE PEOPLE; YOU MUST BE CRAZY OR PASSED OUT SINCE 1991.
Dear human Amharas and dear human Tigrayans the Oromians had our system in place fro more than seven centuries and you need to read and understand and then come back we will be able to talk about how to live together in peace. Our system and the system you are longing do not mix and they are resembling water and oil. Just learn from French, Americans and British, when they left colonial subjects alone; the African systems took over; the native languages blossomed yet the English, French and Spanish has been spoken and finally they will weather away. Amhaic is also destine to be so in Oromia and our system will resurrect itself.
Our system of democracy is not a primitive system as most of you tend to rush and label it so. Try to read on it if you have the capacities to understand it; then you may prove yourselves wrong. In our society to just create very good reliable leaders it might take total of three grades or 32 to 40 years. See it this way.
We make our leaders through gentler social process but you guys always settle it with guns. That is the fundamental difference!
The Oromo Liberation Front had never wanted to dominate any society it demanded its own democratic society for that matter want to reinvigorate our clandestine social system that had been forced to go underground for centuries. We wanted to kill the rules that exited in Oromia and forced upon us from externals. The old system is dead and it will never come back. I do not think it endures two earth shaking revolutions. I mean it; think about what had happened to the land lords in 1976 and think what took place in 1991. Those revolutions had changed the empire for good and we want more change to democratize the whole empire. Understand Oromos do not want to dominate we desire to create just social system for all of us. The world is trying to learn our systems why our fellows fail to do so?
As I can see, OLF was formed in order to avert the repression OROMO people in Ethiopia. But, OLF should also realize that there are 79 other ethnic groups in Ethiopia among which almost 78 of them are also oppressed by Woyane regime. It is a high time for Oromos and its umbrella political organization to unite their struggle with all other ethnic groups who have been subjugated and deprived of their human rights against their will. They have to join hands to reinvigorate the struggle against the machination and brutality of EPRDF dictatorial regime. I hope all of us can realize that this regime is heartless and short sighted and it is hell-bent in selling Ethiopia, its territorial integrity, its people and resources. Look how it made deals with Shabia to make Ethiopia landlocked. Look how it ignored the question of Afar people and betrayed them to be subjugated under Shabia and gave away Assab Port as well. TPLF does not care about Ethiopia and its future generation. Its aim is to be in power and squander and rob the resources of Ethiopia as the colonizers did to the rest of Africa. We heard from UNDP report about the $8.4 billion dollars illicitly taken out of Ethiopia by EPRDF authorities since they took power. But they tell us that they are engaged in development and eradication of poverty. If this money was available, Ethiopia would be able to build the Grand Renaissance Dam without issuing government bonds. We, Ethiopians, are responsible for the demise and backwardness of Ethiopia regardless of its thousands of years history as an independent nation. There is not a visionary leader who leads Ethiopia into prosperity and to a greatness. We all bicker about our portion, but we don’t think about our interrelatedness in culture, origin, shared history and sacrifices for our homeland. Let’s think about the civil wars fought in USA to keep all 50 states together with differing interests. A visionary leader always think of greatness of its nation, unity and democracy at cost of his life. Now, USA is enjoying unity among all its States and it is able to solve the causes of the war. We should also try to solve our problems by uniting ourselves instead of splitting and running away from challenges and problems that we face from dictators. Let us also learn from Arab Spring movements and take this opportunity to discard our ideology of division and separatist views and wrong concept of colonialism. Let us create Ethiopia where a leader would be elected democratically due to his ability regardless of his race, language, color or ethnic background. Let unite and fight against Woyane to bring such a democratic system. There is power and legitimacy in unity. The people of Ethiopia are frustrated of opposition party leaders when they see them bickering on petty issues and for promoting their own interest over the interest of the people. TPLF is even saying many times that there is no viable party that is able to challenge it because it is able to suppress them systematically and has effectively minimized their political space up to the grass roots. Besides, TPLF is winning the propaganda war through its diplomatic means by falsely alleging the opposition parties as terrorists. So OLF should change its separatist world outlook and ideology and must unite other Ethiopians to get rid of the yoke of Tigray hegemony. If we succeed to remove this yoke, then we should not impose another similar yoke from Oromo or from any other ethnic group upon Ethiopia. We need a democratically elected government like USA.