The entire executive committee of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) has been relieved of its duties and replaced with a provisional executive council today.
Majority of the OLF national council members has passed a vote of “No Confidence” on the executive committee in order take the organization out of the current paralysis and stagnation due to an irreconcilable disagreement inside the executive committee.
The main source of the disagreement revolved around the vision and performance of the organization. The new OLF leadership is said to be committed to advancing the interest of Oromos, as well as all Ethiopians.
The new leadership will focus on intensifying the armed struggle against the Meles regime and playing a key role in unifying and democratizing Ethiopia in collaboration with other opposition forces, according to Ethiopian Review sources.
Leaders of Ginbot 7 Movement and other forces have been briefed of this development by the new OLF leadership.
There had been an ongoing and heated internal debate inside the OLF leadership for quite a while over strategy and the overall political platform of the organization, leading to today’s revolutionary change.
Key leaders of the change that is taking place inside OLF include Dima Nego, founding member and first chairman; General Kemal Gelchu, chairman of the OLF forces high command; Ahmed Hussein, founding member and former Minister of Foreign Trade; Lencho Letta, former deputy secretary general of OLF; General Hailu Gonfa, head of the OLF army’s training and deployment; Lencho Bati, former OLF spokesperson; Hassan Hussein, head of foreign relations; and Ibrahim Mume, coordinator of OLF supporters and members in the Diaspora.
Despite its military and political strength, OLF had been unable to wage a consistent and forceful campaign against the regime of Tigrean People Liberation Front (Woyanne). Oromos are currently one of the most persecuted peoples in Ethiopia. The overwhelming majority of prisons in Ethiopia are filled by Oromos who are suspected of supporting OLF. Most Ethiopian refugees in Kenya, Sudan, Uganda, Somalia, Yemen and other countries are Oromos. And yet, OLF has been unable to protect Oromos from all these atrocities even though it has a professional army, and an experienced political leadership.
The new OLF leadership strives to change that and work to end the Woyanne brutal regime in collaboration with all opposition forces, according to ER sources close to the OLF.
64 thoughts on “BREAKING NEWS: Shake up in the OLF leadership”
I feel it is a smart move!It is incredibly wise to have a united stand against the common enemy-tplf.
The regime is there,it is not because they are strong it is because we are divided and weak.
i raise my hat off .this a brilliant development and must be encouraged .there cannot be victory in the absence of unity among its people .we have to renounce hatred,separation and give a chance for a united struggle under ethiopiawinet .this more powerful than a neuclar war head and a potent force to cleanse ethnicity.
Elias
Have you visited the OLF website?
It said they have kicked out all the names posted above from the Oromo Liberation Front.
Those names above that you have posted are not new OLF leaders, they are starting a new Oromo liberation Front group. The OLF officials and leaders have officially kicked them out of the OLF.
Check it out on the website
http://www.oromoliberationfront.com
May God be with You! I can say nothing than wishing you help of God for you,new leaders.
Elias;
Right after reading your article on the shakeup in the OLF leadership, I tried to confirm the story from the horse mouth. Your story was different from the message enshrined in the “Statement of OLF Executive Committee”, dated 31/07/08, available on (http://www.oromoliberationfront.org/).
Would you comment on this?
Sincerely,
Kulfo
Dear All,
Please let us fight for all of us together. Let us fight for Ethiopia. Let us listen Obamas speech. He said, no wall should be between tribes, nations, religions, and colours. I say , this is the time to be as one and fight our enemy poverty, hunger, disease, backwardness and ignorance. Let us build our beutiful country together and make heaven for all of us.
The wrong agendas we have had was formulated by foreign enemies of Ethiopia. This was the way to weaken our unity and country. They have achieved what they wished. But let us say this is enough. Let us stop working for our enemies(foreign countries). We thought the agenda was good. But it wasn’t. It was good only for those who wanted our failer.
Thanks God. It is a time to see our mistakes and do something right.
Long live all the people of Ethiopia,
Long live Ethiopia,
Let God make us united as ever,
Let God bless us and our country.
The new leadership of OLF is way better than any thing if its brain is not frozen like old leadership. if the new leadership want be accepted by Oromo people,
1. It has to be more creative
2. it has to listen to the opinions of its members and Oromo people at large.
3. Its goal must be known to Oromo people and it has to clean itself from blinded goal.
4. It has to work hard not wasting time like old leadership.
5. It has to include more young generation and pass responsibility to them not going down to the grave with the leadership.
For now all mass medias of OLF still under old leadership and still it can say I am alive. The new leadership has to dismantle it as quickly as possible. if not it has to start its mass media as soon as possible.
The development declared on this page July 30, 2008 demonstrated the POLITICAL AND SOCIAL GROWTH OLF ACHEIVED OVER THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS.
I honestly beleived the removal of the old leadership is conducted “DEMOCRATICALLY”, because at this time several OROMO PUBLIC MEETINGS ARE BEING CONDUCTED IN MINESOTHA, and I felt majority of OLF MEMBERS conducted the leadership transition to the mor progressive group. but the truth comes from the tail, which is quite disgusting.
If the power struggle is between the “OPPRESSED” how is the victory coming over the “ETHNIC DICTATORSHIP”?
THE NEWS I READ THAT READS “executive committee of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) has been relieved of its duties and replaced with a provisional executive council today.” SOUNDS DEMOCRATIC, BUT IT IS KIND OF POWER STRUGGLE.
UNLESS ETHIOPIAN OPPOSITION PARTIES INCLUDING OLF COME TOGETHER THERE WILL NEVER BE SOLUTION IN ETHIOPIA. THE SUFFERING IN ETHIOPIA PROPRTIONALLY RESTS ON THE MAJOR ETHNIC GROUP, “NINE OUT OF TEN PRISONERS ARE OROMOS”.
WOULD YOU PLEASE GROW TO COUNTRY LEVEL? YOU ARE THE MAJORITY, WHY DO THINK LIKE A MINORITY? THE OLD EXCUTIVE COMMITTEE OF OLF MUST RECONSILE WITH THE NEW ONE. OTHERWISE YOU ARE NOT SOLVING THE PROBLEM IN OROMIA, BECAUSE YOU ARE FIGHTING FOR YOUR POWER AND NAME.
OROMO OF ONE ORIGINE HOW ONEARTH FAILS EACH OTHER? WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF THE CONTRADICTION?
VICTORY IS FARAWAY, AND YOU FIGHT FOR POWER BEING INFOREIGN COUNTRIES? THIS IS SHAME ON FREEDOM FIGHTERS? PLEASE SOLVE YOUR DISAGREEMENT AND PROCEED.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL
Yes, this is a serious and important development in Ethiopian politics.
OLF as the only organization that regularly changes leadership should make the shift peacefully so that the benefits would be to a maximum effect.
However, we should also realize that there are others in the OLF leadership that maybe as reformists as the new leadership. We need them all. Those who may not agree with the centrists agenda should be treated fairly given that is what democratic pluralism presupposes. However, they cannot continue to dictate a dogma that the majority of Oromos have never consented to. From the founding of the Macha and Tulama Civic Association up to the present time , Oromos’ quest has been for equity within the democratic Ethiopian polity.
Many have pushed the OLF to reflect on this humane struggle and to shift to the center of Ethiopian politics. There have been positive changes under Daud Ibssa’s wise/astute leadership. But, the changes have not caught up with the shifting political dynamism. Hence, the emergence of the new scaled up steps that the new group aspire to.
Ethiopian democrats will need to support a positive development while encouraging for a peaceful settlement of disagreements to avoid the mistakes of other experiments(UEDF, KINIJIT, EPRP).
Please do bear in mind that, of all the changes, OLF’s has the potential to make or break our identity as Ethiopians and as a nation.
Therefore, we have to play a twin-track approach-encouraging the new leadership while pushing for a peaceful settlement of internal party disputes within the OLF as our main goal at this crucial and promising moment in our nation’s history/phase of challenges!
I appeal to elders and all those whose influences would be needed.
Regards
Biri
—– Original Message —-
From: Biri Yaya
To: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, August 2, 2008 9:22:55 AM
Subject: Re: [Ethiopians-Forum] Re: BREAKING NEWS-OLF REFORMISTS HAVE GOOD NEWS FOR ETHIOPIA!
Early indication of a shift in thinking(Picture: Hassan Hussein, Foreign Relations head of OLF. His amharic speech some time ago ):
OLF shake-up: radical change in Ethiopian politics?
hassen_hussien hspace=4 src=”http://media-emf.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/hassen_hussien.gif” align=right vspace=4 border=0>EMF – The national council members of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) have passed yesterday a resolution to change the entire executive committee, and replacing them by a new, radical and visionary leadership, sources said. OLF’s general assembly meeting was concluded yesterday with a decision by abandoning the old leadership which, in the last 40 years, couldn’t move an inch with its unworkable, unproductive and divisive policies. [Picture: Hassan Hussein, Foreign Relations head of OLF. His amharic speech some time ago gives background of what the group think.] More »
45 Comments | አስተያየት በአማርኛ ይፃፉ »
—– Original Message —-
From: Biri Yaya
To: Ethiopians-Forum@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Saturday, August 2, 2008 9:13:30 AM
Subject: [Ethiopians- Forum] Re: BREAKING NEWS-OLF REFORMISTS HAVE GOOD NEWS FOR ETHIOPIA!
Kemal Gelchu” src=”http://www.ethiomedia.com/adlot/kemal_gelchu.jpg” width=126 border=0>
Former army general Kemal Gelchu is one of the reformists
Breaking News
OLF reformists have good news for Ethiopia: A goodbye to secessionism!
Ethiomedia | August 2 , 2008
WASHINGTON – A wind of change is sweeping across the board of the OLF leadership. And support for the new OLF leadership may come not only from Oromia but also the rest of Ethiopia.
OLF has counted decades since formation but has done little to bring about change. The major stumbling block has been the group’s dreadful objective: secessionism. “Now that is about to change for ever,” says an OLF insider, who told Ethiomedia on Friday that the former OLF executive committee has been relieved of its responsibilities through OLF meetings in various places around the world. Full Text
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In OLF leadership and strategy could be changed easily. We can learn from the history of the Organization that it has a good track record of democratic governance than any other political organization in Ethiopia. But come to the vision of the Organization, it is what defines OLF. And this vision is well understood and accepted by at least 99% of the Oromos. The people have spent a lot to maintain the organization. This is the real success of OLF. So, split in OLF is not possible as in EPRP and ‘Kinijit’.
So, I don’t think that respected OLF founders and leaders (who at one time were in full control of the Organization) will miss this fact and try to create another ‘OPDO’ in protest against the current elected leadership, as if they have not instituted a working system that can make leadership change possible.
Rather they might have been infiltrated by ‘Woyane’/OPDO, the snake, through the defectors. This scenario is not unlikely. Any way the strength of OLF are the Oromo people, so whatever happens among the leadership, OLF remains OLF, but more efficient and effective.
The thing which we Ethiopians consider a crime and forced us to create the numerous liberation fronts is b/c we are not colonized. That our heroic forefathers were able in unison to defeat back European, Arab and Ottoman colonizers appears to be percieved as a crime against humanity.
There is no liberation front of the Somali’s in Djibouti, there is no an ogaden national liberation front in Kenya eventhough the same ogadenis live in a Kenya province of comparable size to Ethiopiopia’s Ogaden state. There is no OLF fighting the Kenyan state eventhough the Oromos make the biggest province in Kenya, similar to Ethiopia! The same with Gambela. The gambela’s live on both sides but there is only a gambella liberation front fighting for “self-determination” in Ethiopia.
These liberation fronts should redress themselves. They should understand that there can only be one Ethiopia for all Ethiopians. In todays Ethiopia, one cannnot create an Oromia nation or an Ogaden country without destroying the very oromos or the ogadenis. Belive it or not, we can only live together: segregation entails destruction. The liberation fronts need to understand this: they should join hands with all Ethiopians and should stand for the causes of all Ethiopians. Only then their struggle will be meaningful and may bear fruit. That is the reality of the current world.
ETHIOPIACHIN TIKDEM!!!!
The Greeks had told us long time ago; do not do anything that you will regret later. Let me say it clear and loud those people who are held responsible for malfunction of the organization just arrived less than two years ago. What a hell people are telling us to believe them. I do not know much but the little thing I know; the two generals are very famous and they had already garnered great support and additional authencity for the OLF. The consequence of pushing them out will be tragically devastating for the Oromo national movement be it peacefully or forcefully perusing the liberation of Oromia. Those professional soldiers are irreplaceable for growth and expansion of the national army. I do not get it; my beloved Oromia. I could for sure say that you are multiplying new enemies and discouraging other generals from defecting to the people side; to the Oromo side. Basically to the people who are preparing to defect; you are telling them do not come. Do you get it; that is the clear message we are getting from your press release before yesterday. What a blind decision to make politically, organizationally and propaganda wise. I think there are some people behind the move to discredit the OLF itself. Sometimes the wise pushes itself and crosses to the other side of stupidity. It is a total failure; untimely and immature decision. May I ask if the organization is trying to work with other none Oromo organizations why it does not work out its differences with its innocent and loyal followers? I for sure know that those people had lost everything they had and left their families and prestige to scarify for Oromia. I see a flash back of early eighties where our famous leaders were killed by internal and external enemies of Oromia. It cost us our freedom and many lives were scarified because of that unnecessary sacrifices by great men of our nation thirty years ago. Sometimes the enemy uses the “swards” of its own enemy to kill its most threatening individuals. Be care ful; be careful; be careful; you have not gauged how many people are sympathizing the accused in Oromia. The organization may lose so many followers as the result of its decision. Leading and fighting the enemy is not as easy as conspiring to defame fellow fighters and comrades. Be ware to shoulder the consequences and all sorts of repercussions. Those people are military giants and world famous besides they are knowledgeable in the arts of military science. They fought and accumulated many experiences and they are ready to kick butt; they are great Oromo fighters and not running around coffee shops asking for cigarette butts and a cup of coffee every morning in Minnesota. The daring actions of those men and women had earned us front pages in world mass media. Who had done that at price of their lives except those generals and their followers. I know one thing in Oromo national movements when it comes to sharing power and fame the egos of some older leaders take over and mitigate the true maturity of our national movement. Just remember what had happened between Gutama and Lataa in 1991. Take the case that took place between OSA members. The feuds are still continuing but they were unnecessary and are hurting us. Somebody signed off our freedom to come out of a prison cell. OLF should take care of those black sheep who donned our national flag and working for the enemy or against the strategic goals of the movement for a very long time. This one is a continuation. I refuse to accept it. It is immoral; it’s unethical and politically incompetent. It only toughens and fortifies the enemy and divides us to smash the back of our insurgency. What worries me the most is that the regional , religious and ideological division that had crippled our movement will be for sure squarely worsen. That is a national jeopardy and a shortcoming to the movement. It is an ugly situation when the organization commit its mistakes shamelessly, repeatedly and without any respect to our national devotees and followers. Retreat from your decision and retreat is a great course of action sometimes. Our people are not old dogs which could be thrown out after years of genuine services; you will regret your words and actions. Internal peace is better than woofing aphorism by any means .Avoid blood shed you will regret very much in the future.
Create organizational harmonies and national cohesiveness rather than disruption and abandonment. Do not head to distractions and breakups. Oromo leaders, intellectuals, students, soldiers and women and men unite in actions and thoughts and we will be better in unity than in
hemorrhagic factionalism. Stop bleeding and Oromia is going to bleed because of your actions.
Sabataa Dubbii
OLF is not Alquaida group who are instad of stragel for there goll like individual freedom, changing system in batter taking position work for others authority, presidant, prim minster, e.t.c, but stragle for individual freedom of oromo and freedom of Oromiya by modern internationaly.
Quote; i myself. An international net work expert Tom Pitar can work his duity. He can use softwar(electronics) instad of me.