By Abebe Gellaw
Washington DC (ESAT) – The Oromo Liberation Front has announced its historic decision to drop its long-held secessionist agenda and to embrace the unity of Ethiopia under a genuine federal arrangement that must guarantee the rights, equality and liberty of all Ethiopians.
In a historic press release, the OLF, led by Brigadier General Kemal Gelchu, issued at the conclusion of its extraordinary National Council plenary, held on December 30 and 31 in Minnesota, the front spelt out its new vision in an unprecedented clarity. The meeting was also open to any non-Oromo Ethiopians for the first time.
According to the press release, the OLF National Council has examined the struggle of the Oromo people, the political program of the front, the prevailing conditions that the Ethiopian people suffer under the dictatorship of Meles Zenewi and the necessity of working with all democratic forces in Ethiopian to end the untold misery of Ethiopians under the tyrannical regime.
“The OLF National Council also focused on the timely demand of working with other democratic forces in forming the new Ethiopia that will guarantee and protect the fundamental rights of all peoples in Ethiopia. The new social contract will and should be based on the free will and consent of all peoples in Ethiopia. The previous style that claims “I know for you” should be abolished and replaced with a new vision that is based on peoples’ consent and free will,” the release stated.
The historic statement further noted that OLF would struggle not only for the Oromo people but also the people of Ethiopia suffering under the tyranny and oppression of the TPLF regime. “To fulfill this vision and play crucial roles, not only for the Oromo people, but for all Ethiopian people, the OLF National Council pursuant to the power vested to it by the OLF National Congress effectively amended the OLF political program today, January 1, 2012,” the front said.
The release underscored the fact that the revised OLF political program will “accept the new federal democratic republic of Ethiopia that will work for the betterment of all of its citizens, neighboring countries and international communities.” It also said that the OLF would honor and respect the decisions of the Ethiopian people would make exercising their will under the new federal republic of Ethiopia.
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OLF also urged all democratic forces to work in tandem to make Ethiopia a common home for all its people. It also called on the international community to desist from supporting the tyrannical regime of Meles Zenawi that is “engaged in terrorizing the Ethiopian people, selling the precious resources of the country to the highest bidders, and the government that does not respect the principles of democracy, human rights and rule of law.”
In an interview with ESAT Radio, Dr. Nuro Dedefo, OLF Executive Committee member, has explained that the front has charted out a new vision based on the reality on the ground. He said the new vision of the OLF aspires to liberate the Ethiopian people from the brutal minority rule of the TPLF and establish a new democratic Ethiopia based on the free will of the people to live, work and set up a common country for all. He pointed out that previously OLF used to advocate for the establishment of an Oromo state. As per its new vision, OLF now aspires to establish one country with other Ethiopians, he explained.
Dr. Nuro also underscored that OLF rejects the bogus federal arrangement that has imposed the hegemony of the TPLF on the rest of Ethiopia. According to Dr. Nuro, the OLF wants a real and genuine federal system which clearly shows that OLF broke with the past and embraced Ethiopian unity. “In order to change the racist minority rule of the TPLF and form a new Ethiopia that will be free from absence of the rule of law and rampant abuse of citizens… OLF is ready to work with all Ethiopian democratic forces,” he declared.
He noted that TPLF’s so-called federal arrangement has been designed to divide and rule the people of Ethiopia and impose its hegemony using its servile puppets and messengers. Dr. Nuro has underlined that that OLF’s new vision will put an end to TPLF’s propaganda against OLF, which it tried to present as a secessionist force. “That will put the scheme in the coffin once and for all,” he said.
The OLF official also called upon fellow Ethiopians to work with the OLF in a spirit of trust in order to establish the new Ethiopia, where democracy, justice, respect for human rights and rule of law will be the founding values.
Dr. Nuro told ESAT that the meeting, which was also open for non-Oromo Ethiopians, was exciting to so many Ethiopians that have already endorsed OLF’s new vision that it adopted to end dictatorship, suffering and lawlessness in Ethiopia once and for all in collaboration with any democratic forces.
72 thoughts on “Kemal Gelchu’s faction of OLF clarifies position on Ethiopian Unity”
wow great job now end of weyana thank u god now i feel like old ethiopia is caming congra olf and ginbot 7
mikre replies:
January 3rd, 2012 at 10:41 AM
how the hell are you abusing the English langauge? Do not write in English. You are not yet fit. Your English is so bad.
The next thing ‘oromo liberation front’ has to do is to change its name to reflect the new stand it has taken. No guraghie, afar, amhara or sidama will believe that ‘oromo liberation front’ stands for them. They stand for their ethnic/tribal group of what they call ‘oromo’, and this is reflected in their name.
Tigre people liberation front stands for the tigre. we all know that. You must be insane if you believe that the woyane gujile stands for the oromo, amhara or any other tribal group in Ethiopia even if the woyane gujile claim that they stand for all the people of Ethiopia.
Olf also say that they will fight only for a federal arrangement in Ethiopia. why should they put a precondition such as this. What does the Olf mean by ‘federal’. Should such an issue not be discussed by the Ethiopian people as a whole under a free democratic debate.
‘Ethnic federalism’ is no answer to the complex problem in Ethiopia, and that is what the olf stands for.
Good news for all Ethiopians. Bad news for TPLF blood suckers. This is the way to go. If we want to eliminate Woyane parasites, working together is the only way out. We have been killed and looted for the last twenty-plus years because of a lack of unity among different political groups. The lack of unity helped TPLF murders to suck our blood for so many years. It is time to move forward. Enough is enough!!!
Well Done OLF
It is a historical decision that revitalizes the unity and strength of Ethiopia for ones and for ever again. It also marks the death of ‘woyane’ is closer than ever. Now every Ethiopian should carefully watch for the crime and atrocities the desperate ‘woyane’ will commit against ‘amhara’ on behalf of ‘oromo’ and vice versa, and be ready for mature way of handling those ‘woyane’ sponsored terrors. Finally, all people who work hard to come at this decision deserves enormous credits and gratitude.
Well done OLF!
This is indeed a political breakthrough and one that should be embraced by all Ethiopians rgardless of political affiliations and ethnicities. If, indeed, the OLF as an organization has made it a political platform that a federated Ethiopia, under the banner of unity and shared nationalist sentiments, is the way to go for our shared values, the OLF has gotten for the first time my vote of confidence for its realistic stand. This is the way to go, brothers. Our Oromo compatriatos, to whom we are all tied by blood and culture, will work in unision with all other forces for the liberation of Ethiopia from the tribalist regime, TPLF. God bless Ethiopia! Viva OLF! Please do not forget to change the name of the organization to include the name Ethiopia in it….I am sure you will do that in due course.
Bonger #2,
you are sounding like a Woyane’s mole in the dark who are knocking the Ethiopian peoples with one another. But no any Ethiopian will pay attention to your conflict-morgering command. Your uttering of ” WHAT THEY CALL OROMO ” is showing that you are an utopia and bare-and-simple-minded. Today the Ethiopians from every ethnic groups, are desparately looking for each others than ever to over come their country’s devastating crisis. It is not the matter of changing the names of ethnics goups, but to change our minds from crazyness to normality in order to be brothers and stand together.
This is a historic moment. OLF does need to change its name what it needs is to embrace all other organisation struggling for independence of the Ethiopian people. Working together to bring down this nepotic regime has to create a forum where all peace loving people of Ethiopian. The question of nation/nationality is unsolved in Ethiopia and working together would be the only right route to create a democratic ethiopia.VIVA VIVA VIVA The Ethiopian Somali Democratic Movement support this historic decision by the OLF.
As a proud Oromo Ethiopian, I support the new vision of OLF.
OLF does not say it stands for other people. It is simply saying it will accept federal arrangement. OLF is not going to surrender the right of the OROMO people to decide their future to anybody other than people it stands for.
Good news but it is only a tiny faction of the OLF splited from the OPDO and joining the OLF and again splitting from the OLF and joining ???
The best way would have been for all the OLF factions to get united and then make decision for stronger Ethiopia and stronger Oromia too.
But this eager lonely faction may be very much in a hurry and insecure as to blindly jump in to the deep arms of some groups a to lose its very identity and independence within a short time. To have strong background and broad based mass support is very essential for the stability and prosperity of a country.
wow olf vision 2012
I have been telling OLF to drop down their long-held secessionist views and come clean with a brand new name that appeals to all Ethiopians. Finally, I think, they are awakened from their long and deep sleep to the calling of many concerned Ethiopians. The name OLF is a blood-tainted name, and let it be buried somewhere and never to be excavated again.
It is clear they are dropping their separatist agenda that have alienated many Ethiopians from joining the OLF, but what is not clear yet is whether they are willing to erase the name “OLF” and have a new name that unites all Ethiopians. If they are willing to work with other organizations, they do not need their old name. They must be circumcised from their hearts, not from their flesh and bones and become new creatures in order to be accepted by the other Ethiopian unions. “No one,” says Jesus, “tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old” (Luke 5:36).
When members of the OLF join the other unions, they must leave behind their old garbage – bigotry – and work hard for the common goals – to liberate Ethiopia, not just Oromia. Oromia without Ethiopia will not exist, but Ethiopia without Oromia can survive, and this is the fundamental fact hidden for a long time from the hearts of the OLF people that has finally changed the minds of the OLF members to join other unions or seek help from several Ethiopian organizations.
To make the change work effectively and quickly, the OLF must not seek for a high position to run the new combined force; let the young Ethiopians from any Ethiopian tribes have a chance to run the new union. A new blood is required to lead such a diverse and dynamic organization. Let the old ones sit behind and refrain from decision making, and let the young ones make the decision: after all, Ethiopia belongs to the young, and the young Ethiopians must know what is good for their country.
The question which is bothering me a lot is whether the Minnesota OLF is the same OLF that has been terrorizing some villagers in southern Ethiopia or whether it is the OLF in Asmara that betrayed the Ethiopian Freedom Fighters and became the main cause for the demise of the 17 young Amhara freedom fighters. Since there are many OLF offshoots in many parts of the country in Ethiopia and abroad, it is a little bit difficult to verify, at this stage, the Minnesota OLF’S declaration of abandoning its secessionist views, in fact, represents the views of all its factions. Or, who knows, this Minnesota OLF may be the secret agent of the Asmara government, and we have to dig dipper to know all the facts before we say “Amen” to the new declaration of mind change by the Minnesota OLF.
Dorch replies:
January 3rd, 2012 at 11:58 AM
Assta,
Your last two paragraphs stink like TPLF!
Do you undertsnad that day-by-day, week-by-week, and year -by-year, we Ethiopians will keep building our unity brick by brick unto the fall of TPLF.
Do you undertsnad that the fall of tplf has become more a reality after the 31st Of December 2011 than before the 31st Dec?
Whether people praise olf or G-7, General Gelchu or Dr Nega, the people of ethiopia have been calling for unity for the past two decades, the truth on the ground has been seeking unity for two decades.
Anonymous replies:
January 10th, 2012 at 3:46 PM
You sound weyane agent game is over
It is good when the rift between people is closed down. This would have a tremendous push for things in the right direction. Change may not come soon but the fact that political groups could be so flexible in terms of adjusting with the times and strategically re-tuning the politics by itself is an achievement. Reconciliation and cooperation comes when all cede ground and embrace others with open hands. good move at least in breaking the ice and the silence that was a rift among people.
komkom
u weyane, go to hell, we are happy that OLF came to the reality, thank u OLF
Why is the Asmara based OLF has different view from the Diaspora OLF ?
who is the representative of oromo people?For me it is clear those who are fighting on ground represent the oromo people not those siting in North america.
Ahadu replies:
January 3rd, 2012 at 4:06 PM
Wakjira
Oromo in Ethiopia is more Ethiopian than the party you mentioned the only thing what they need is to know their programs as democrats we does not have no problem with whom ever General kamal or the other one Ibsa but what i assure you is the generals olf will have 95% for that matter dont forget in me flows amhara and oromo blood there are millions like me who only believes that Ethiopia is their beloved mother land than the gang who is now in 4 kilo and its cult members are real enemy if your memory serves think only election 97 and dig a bit to understand how high they love their country after Zenawi gang has tried to marginalize them that they have been treated bad by his preceddesors the other issues will be considered seriously after the shifta groups burial will be decided by standing on their graves.
Boonaa replies:
January 28th, 2012 at 5:43 PM
DON’T SPLIT them apart, they are one and the same as far as they concerned with OROMO’s political agenda.open your eyes it is time to unite with other anti “woyan” forces,as so what you dare to split one OROMO in to two group.
come on guys!let us work to bring them in one political intrerst,that is good for all.
[Reply]
Good Job
This should be recorded in history one of the happiest and victorious days for all Ethiopians including the Oromo. This is being visionary to OLF, and hopefully the other faction will follow suit. We hope it lasts and if so, this undoubtedly is the beginning of the end. Ethiopians are already victorious today. The rest is just a process.
This is what we all were dreaming for. I am now a complete Ethiopian not only half. Ethiopia is only O N E .
Thank you General Kemal, Dr. Dedefo and the rest of you.
What is important now is to sign an official UNITY document to be public to all opposition forces and the supporters. This document must be very clear and with no ambiguity to understand by all Ethiopian readers.( we don’t need a kind of “Wochale Woel”kind of document )
The NEW YEAR 2012 is a year of Happiness and joy to all 90/million Ethiopians ; but a day of mourning for woyane and his servants around him.
Thank you all of you who worked hard this important decision happen.
As of this UNITY DAY woyane’s regime is over. The people of Tigray are our brothers and sisters who suffered on equal basis like all of us. woyane Political cadres will be fairly judged according to their own act on the Innocent people of the country.We all know them who they are.
Thank you Ethiopian review for this vital and remarkable unlimited support to this important news and happening.
Hooray!!! all Ethiopians THIS IS TOO GOOD TOO BE TRUE, A DREAM COME TRUE congratulation OLF leaders, congratulation all “jollay Oromo” this is an over du happening that our mother Ethiopia, eagerly waiting for “There is no Ethiopia without Oromo or Oromo without Ethiopia” thousands thanks for the leaders who finally come to this conclusion and declare beautifully without equivoque the “I know for you “era is over. This is a big new chapter, the beginning of a big thing. I’m proud of you, your statement “I know for you” is over, means millions for home sick, peace hungry Ethiopians, first time in its kind, keep it up.
One Ethiopia our own
Known to be the cradle of all man kind
Suffered long enough in the hand its own
The clock is ticking, the bells are ringing
Mother Ethiopia wailing
Its children dying in the hands of the deniers
That Ethiopia of the dawn
Symbol of freedom, the black Africa
Finally heed a loud distinct familiar voice
Hailing loud, I’m coming home
The big rebel son, cheerfully said “this is it”
Conforming the reconcile amid brothers and sisters
The renaissance of that strong again Ethiopia.
By thrown out through unified front, the cancerous ethnic division archaic system, that was purposefully implanted by the current colonial like occupier, our total freedom from hunger, all ailment, injustice and underdevelopment is certainly in the horizon.
God bless our beloved country Ethiopia
I think the demise of TPLF inevitable in short period, a lot if changes are coming in the region and Ethiopia.The mass uprising in tge north Africa and Middle east,is also sends a clear message to Ethiopia but also to powerful nations that support the dictators indicating that no matter the regime gets support it can not tolerate tge rage of the people.
One of the main tactics the TPLF uses is the Ethinic politics by creating mistrust and conflict among nationalities particularly between Amhara and Ormo, Christian and Muslim, however the move by OLF to drop its sessionist agenda, would gather more people to its embrace and help reduce tension between Ormo and other nationals.
I would like to applaud Ginbot 7 and its leaders for their unwavering hard work by embracing forces like OLF and ONLF.In addition to mobilizing a strong propaganda against TPLF and creating awareness how the TPLF works. Ginbot 7 also sending cold sweat in TPLF spine by undertaking diverse political strategy, military wing,infiltration,public unrest, and also strong media Even though still there is a long way to go to topple but not too long.
komkom
Ethiopians today know their enemy from afar, you are one of them OLF’S call is a long awaited right call for Ethiopia and its people, you guys better come back to your sense before it’s too late.
Ethiopian review please post my previous supporting comment.
God bless Ethiopia and its Oromo children and all brothers and sisters
The historic decision is historical. It has upsetted Meles’s apple’s cart.
Bravo OLF! I hope ONLF follows this way. Well done.
This faction of Oromo liberation front discarding its secessionist agenda and standing united with other pan-Ethiopian opposition forces is a commendable first step.
olf has now to accelerate and make a clean break from its past. the olf label is a drag associated ethnic politics, division, hatred and bigottry, bloodshed etc. they should immediately announce a name change and move away from their tainted shameful past episode in their history.
we are told that this faction of olf is one of several that has decided to make a change. a name change is one of the ways they can show they are different from other factions of olf, which are all based in asmara.
It is no time to play games. they should get serious and get help the struggle of all Ethiopians to free themselves from the ethno-fascism of the woyane gujile.
We need only to destroy woyane wheather from insider or outsider or OLF or G.7.We hate this Satans banditi Woyane.
ADDA BILISUMMAA OROMOO
OLF Statement on a Bogus Press Release in the Name of OLF
“A naked butterfly dresses a stone” runs an Oromo proverb. We read with amusement a ‘press release’
from Minnesota USA by a group that claims to be OLF claiming to have reviewed the program of the
organization and defining a new vision for Ethiopia. An outlaw splinter group from the OLF cannot
undertake a venture that in itself is unconstitutional in the organization.
The group that calls itself OLF and issued a ‘press release’ on Jan. 1, 2012 to the effect of amending the
organization’s program is a minority splinter group that has no legal or moral basis to claim the name
OLF as we have stated on our previous statement. According to the organization’s constitution and any
organizational norm it is the decision of the majority that has to finally prevail. This negligible minority
group negate this norm and the organizational constitution to which they were a party and try to usurp the
name OLF itself.
While they themselves are illegally using this name they made further unconstitutional decision by
amending the Program of the organisation. Amending the Program, the Constitution and election of
members of the National Council is an exclusive prerogative of the National Congress which meets
periodically, not the National Council as they wrongly state.
More than that, the right to self-determination up to and including independence is the right of any nation
enshrined in the UN charter that no entity can negate or abridge other than the concerned people
themselves who can decide through free universal suffrage. Anything short of acceptance of this right
will only prolong the agony of the peoples in Ethiopia who have been victims of the conflict between
those who want to perpetuate the conquest under the phoney unity and those who want to reverse the
conquest.
Finally it goes without saying that neither unity nor independence can be imposed by force or by
deception if what we need is peace, freedom and democracy, which are prerequisite for development and
prosperity. We have to believe in, trust and accept the free will of the people as the final verdict on this
issue.
The OLF hereby states that the group that issued this press release is an outlaw and the press release is
null and void which does not represent the OLF, OLF members and the Oromo People at large who are
in bitter struggle for more than three decades against the Ethiopian State for their rights to selfdetermination to be respected.
Victory to the Oromo People!
Oromo Liberation Front
January 2, 2012
Waka replies:
January 5th, 2012 at 3:23 PM
Actually no respond for your comment but i would like to advice you to get along with your choice,well at the end of the day the decision lies only by the Ethiopian oromoes in which i afraid you will be gravely dissapointed.
Still, we know the other faction has also released a statment condemning this. If we want real peace in Ethiopia, we shouldn’t harsh in our decisions. The two sects of OLF should come together, agree on how they have to fight, and they have to finally abandon their secessionist policy together. Otherwise, there is a long way to go to see something very important.
There is a home work to bring the two sects into table, discuss their ideas peacefully, and then they can come to an agreement. Otherwise, releasing two statments at the same time will leave the people confused!
What about the big OLF Dawud Ibsa’s group? This group is only small in number and new in formation. Hope this vision comes from the big group too. Otherwise meaningless.
As an Ethnic Ethiopian I fully support such constructive policy. Co-development not succession is the answer. Now let’s focus on those people misruling and abusing us.
This is good news for all ethnic groups in Ethiopia especially Oromo and Amara. What is important from now on is to drop all extreme views both Amaras and Oromos about themselves and about the other and once again show their strength as they have demonstrated during the attempt Italian colonization of Ethiopia. Without these two key ethnic groups Ethiopia will not exist let us face it. That being said, there some factors to deal with:
1. although it is good news, let us not dear Ethiopians, especially oppostion groups jump to conclusion. Yes indeed mistrust is not good among this reconciliation, however we Ethiopians have been over and over again been betrayed by the people such as TPLF and Shaebia whom we thought were our own. Let us not make another mistake, especially by opposition leaders and those who stand for Ethiopia, as we did. We have to learn what really is the agenda for OLF to reunite again. Why now? Are they ready to drop the Liberation Front, as it is clearlly been demonstrated that such names have terrorized Ethiopians for over 30 years and continues to do so. What is their view in their relations with Shaebia? What is their view in their relations with TPLF? Most of all what is their relations with outsiders that is completely supporting them until the right time comes? Are they pushing outsider’s agenda in believeing this will liberate their people? This needs to be emphasised over and over again. We always repeat the same mistake like a broken record that no leader starting from TPLF will not be in power in future without the support of outsiders. As a result the leader completely gives in to outsiders in stead of what is good for Ethiopia. Of course the leader also cuts deal to benefit his own agenda. Therefore, any oppostion leaders including OLF should be scrutinized if they are controlled by outsiders and if so, what promises are they making for the outsiders? We can’t just talk about our own future leaders without talking about what will be at stake for outsiders who will be funded to push agendas. This means the same history of repression will start over and over again. That is why we need leaders that are able to sacrifice if needed rather than jeopradize the securiy and safety of the country and not another dictator ready to take power.
2. Let us not forget also although the Kemal Gelchus are staunch Ethiopia’s defenders ready to sacrifice their lives, there will always be another OLF who are resistant and continue their wrong path and with strong support from outsiders. Why I say this? ONLF for instance is supported by UK, when they bombed the Chinese and Ethipains during oil exploration. ONLF would not have done it, without the support of Britain because Britian and the West did not like the TPLF dictator gave oil expoloration to China rather than to west. So more of such things will come. So does this mean ONLF is ready to join Ethipia’s unity? I doubt it because it has been promised to them their first loyalty since the money and arm comes from West will be to the West. So please let us make sure to focus on true and fearless opposition leaders who are not tainted for outsideers agenda but for the safety, prosperous of their own nation.
3. What about the extremsist Muslim OLFs, are they loyal to their nations or to Islam and Arab Muslims that might funnel money for their own agenda such as Egypt to disintegrate Ethiopia? All these should be studied carefully. Because the agenda could be to weaken the mass of Ethiopians by pretending to make unity of Ethiopia. Of course if true, this is definitely great for Ethiopia and demise of Weyane.
4. If this truly works out, Weyane/TPLF will work more hard to dismantly the unity by injecting spies some how or even black mail, or threaten or even go to the extent of outsiders’ help to dismantle this unity through false propoganda. That is why the OLF if true, must not give Weyane or outsiders any reason to attack them so it needs to drop its Liberation fRont, extreme ethnic and muslim agenda and be moderate that fights of course for the protection and rights of its people as well as for Ethiopia.
5. The next unity is to bring in more other groups such as Afars, Somalis, etc. for the struggle. Of course it will be nice for Eritrea to drop its isolationism and join hands with Ethiopia and make once again history on the strength and unity of Ethiopia.
Ethiopia will prevail!
New OLF vision!! Great new!! Hopefully, a new liberation front that will fight for a united and democratic Ethiopia that is home for all its people.
Questions that beg for answers:
1.Is OLF doing this because it was under pressure from other forces or is it a genuine move for the new vision? We do not want to see anymore OLF to be pushed around and manipulated by EPLF, TPLF or any other force for its own hidden agenda.
2. Are the other liberation fronts that are still stuck with a dysfunctional and unworkable programs ready to join OLF’s and other Ethiopians new vision? Hereafter, our struggle should be seamless and without any cracks not to be used by woyane to divide us and prolong its rule.
3. Will OLF and others come up with different names that reflect their honesty and shades light they are for the wishes of all Ethiopians and are also in the right direction?
3. Are the rest of us ready to appreciate any positive change coming from any political grouping and debate the out comes accordingly in a civilized manner? If OLF changes, why can’t we?
May the new year be the beginning of the end of woyane rule!!
Let alone OLF the whole horn of Africa should unite under one banner with tthe exception of weyanes and their rubbish backers.
I deem it true that OLF has most Oromo support. I also know it has always been Oromo are for liberation. I have not come across Oromo who has not stood for liberation post few days of enlightenment of current political state. Some Oromo have perceived an irreconcilable difference. Some Oromo perceive reconciliation. Oromo from what I know have always entertained possible alliance with all. Inversely, hard-core extreme Ethiopians were an instrument to Woyane divide and rule. People have suffered a lot under current rule of minority mob. Hardcore extremist apart from being a tool of divide and rule, they are not benefiting Ethiopianism. Somewhat since 1974 and mostly since 1991 these hard-core extremists have produced negative return. The news will less likely change these groups conditioned response. Extremists have superiority, chauvinism, hate, and ignorance. The majorities I believe are in the right course. For those who genuinely listen and void being a tool. This bold action and news is good promising New Year gift. The majority good people will win.
Assta B. Gettu #14,
your disappearance from this website for many monthes have helped Ethiopians to hammer their diffirences to come closer to each other. But unfortunately, you have showed up not only yourself, but again you have brought your controversial and hatredfull ideas toward Oromos. The Oromos and the rest of Ethiopians do not pay attention to your vigorous uttering of conflicts. The Ethiopians unexceptionally march hand in hand forwards.
Feyle wediya beter Kizmzm,
Ethiopia is already an established country. It has an paralled long history. This is the same OLF discourse. They are saying this just to dupe Ethiopians as a pretense. If you accept one Ethiopia why you do not dissolve this OLF and form a new front with the rest of Ethiopians? Why do you need OLF? if your programe is TO FREE ALL Ethiopians why do you need OLF? ANC of South Africa is not a party of Mandela’s tribe? all the democratic governments in the world are not tribal fronts?
You guys have along way to go. Leave alone to free Ethiopians, you yourself are not free. You may be an enemy to TPLF. But your agenda is not far from TPLF agenda. First, reconcile with your Asmara faction, then reconcile with the rest of Ethiopians and form a national fronts. Do not waste time by playing game with words. I do not believe Ethiopians need splinter groups of from any tribe.
I do believe all these tribal fronts must be stopped altogether. They are wasting time and resources. People must live under one law and live in peace. We do not need this fronts. If you really meant it, unite with the rest of Ethiopians and form a united Ethiopian National movement that can stand against any force and even remove TPLF in short period of time. Otherwise, making loose coalition like this we not get anywhere. Even if you make alliance now, you will explode later and fight like TPLF and Shabia. You must learn from kinjit. Kinjit failed because of the loose coalition it was made up of because the people had different agenda and unity not based on truth and good faith.
Elias, please do not delete this. Elias, you people are deleting mine comments because I tell the truth. I am banned from Aiga, Tigraionline, Tigrainet , Ethiomedia, Abay media. This is only because I am not tribalist and ethnicist. Since all Ethiopians are tribalist and if you do not ally with their tribe you are out. Elias Kinfle, you need to grow up man. You need to stop deleting my comment. If I was bad or tribalist I would not come to your website. I cannot talk what wish to hear. I can talk what I think or what I feel. You must stop deleting my comment like the rest. I do not hate anyone. I do believe in pure reason and I do not believe or subscribe to any tribe or ethnic. Because of your bias and prejudice you are deleting my comments. You can do struggle like this Elias. You cannot. If you were doing the right thing, by now you must have succeeded even to remove TPLF. the fact that you still talking about TPLF is because you a policy which is not better than that of TPLF Meles.
Get out of this tribal box and unite based on citizenship than based on tribe.
I am with you Assta
Thank God! It is about time our Oromo brothers and sisters come to their senses and realize that it is Esayas and Meles who created hate and division between Ethiopians by putting all the blames on struggling Amharas. The recent interview with the former TPLF member, Ato Gebremedehne Araya explained it clearly. The main agenda of EPLF and TPLF was and still is to divide Ethiopians and dismantle Ethiopia totally. Ato Gebremedene Araya has exposed the determinations of EPLF and TPLF to destroy Amharas. The cat is out of the bag, now the truth is in the open. As I’ve said for years, Isayss and Meles are the ones who created OLF by brainwashing them to hate Amharas to create division. My friends, the UNITY of Ethiopians is the NIGHTMARES OF Meles and Isayas. I’m thrilled to death that the life time evil deeds of Isayas and Meles is on the way of its final deaths. Halleluiah! Amharas, Afaras, Eritrians, Gambelas, Guragaes, Kembatas, Tigreas, Somali Ethiopians, and the rest, WE ARE ONE PEOPLE! WE ARE MORE MIXED THAN WE REALIZE! LET US GIVE HATE BACK TO THE REAL EVIL ISAYAS AND MELES. LET US ALL WISH OTHERS WHAT WE WISHES FOR OURSELVES, AMEN! EAT YOUR HEARTS OUT ISAYAS AND MELES, MAY YOU BURN IN HELL FOR ETERNITY FOR DEATHS AND SUFFERINGS YOU CAUSED!!!
NOW I SEE THE END OF TPLF APARTHIED SYSTEM IN ETHIOPIA _THX OLF
One stape to reality.The last disicion will be according peoples of our goegrapihicale Ethiopia inside and uitside.Any way it great job.The almighty God bless you.
Are you kidding me?? Kemal Gelchu doesn’t represent OLF. He represents a faction of a rogue OLF. The real OLF is led by Daud Ibsa therefore this has no credibility whatsoever.
I will believe it when I see it. OLF like to tell us they are democratic but their motto is really one vote, one person, one time and once they grab either state power or regional power then they will declare independance. Did you know the OLF led by Daud Ibsa sent a letter to UN general secretary Banki Moon asking for independence vote on Security Council?
I though you all should know this…..
WE are brothers and sisters yesterday we are brothers and sisters to day and every day.Those who try to divide us for wrong reason now we
have A Right Reason called DEMOCRACY FOR ALL ETHIOPIAN. GIVE AMEN
Many Oromos have inter married with Amaras, Gurages, Kembatas and many others. The problem with these and other “Ethiopianized” Oromos was the feasibility of an independent Oromia given the geographically dispersed population. This step taken by the OLF led by General Kemal Gelchu is indeed a huge stride to narrow the gap and will undoutedly gain the support of the majority of Oromos, and all other Ethiopians suffering under the current regime. Some of the Weyanes in this forum are trying to create doubt by claiming this faction that faction. But that is not going to matter. In the end, what matters is that the majority of the Oromos and other unity seeking Ethiopians support the initiative taken by OLF.
Dear Dorch,
It is essential to work for the unity of Ethiopia, but unity will never be achieved before you put your house in order. Your primary house – the OLF – is crumbling – and you will have no shelter for this cold winter if you are living in the west. Poor and homeless Dorch, what are you going to do now after the collapse of the OLF?
Dear tameneh,
I always show up whenever I see a misleading or deceiving statement by some members of your dead organization – the OLF. I am warning you again never to trust the OLF as I have already commented about this organization several times. For example, if you read nahome’s comment (#28), you can understand what nahome is saying about the OLF faction. At this point, you do not have any clue how many OLF factions are in Ethiopia, in Asmara, in America, in Europe, and in many other countries, and I do not know which splintered OLF group is working for the welfare of the Ethiopian people, and which one is working against the Ethiopian Oromos. Do you understand what I am talking about? If not, read my previous comment again.
My dear Gezaee H. (37),
Welcome back! I am glad to see you again on this web site, and don’t be sad for being barred by Aiga, Tigraionline, Tigrainet , Ethiomedia, and Abay media. I my self have never visited those web sites; I don’t even know they exist. I am sure, my friend, Elias Kifle, is happy to see you on Ethiopian Review with your lovely comments, but be brief though. I have a difficult time to make my comments short and to the point!
I have no reason to object what Gen Kemal and others are trying to achieve; but is very disappointing to see that the so called ‘unity forces’ still do not understand OLF and the Oromo people. Another waste of time and miscalculation. G7 ended up creating own OPDO.
Waka replies:
January 5th, 2012 at 3:47 PM
This time oromo leaders will take the main role as they are and G7 is no way to put with woyannes in line that from their beggining dream was looting unlike G7 for the soverain Ethiopia like we know from our forefathers and the woyanne gang has only grabbed betrayal from their forefathers (sons and daughters of traitors or bandas) and beyond all these i have seen no woyanne or sympetheiser honest except lies and decipt which is not Ethiopian way be it oromo or amara that our country is experiencing in the last 20 years by dedebit chimps, so what try to delete the evil that is running in your tiny brain and the oromoes are by far intellectual high profiled personalities unlike the shifta group in 4 kilo to be like opdo made by woyanne that only depends on its again dedebit military.
Kasi Casi,
I totally agree with you. Nations have always lost their sovereignty and been oppressed because of misguided belief. That is due to extremism. Outsiders take that as an advantage for the demise of the nation. For instance, let us take past and present rulers. We all know that past rulers were BAD and Amaras benefited. We must recognize this especially to the Oromos and OLF however the danger lies due to past misrule they become completely polarizing and follow the path of extremism and out of this they easily fall prey to outsiders which in return leads to the demise of the nation and their own people rather than working out to solve the problem by participating heavily to stop and bring change. They should know that their fate and any other ethnic fate i/e Amaras fall with each other always due to their proximity, what ever happens whether they work together or not. The same thing, the Amaras live in denial that nothing happened as if they have experience other’s plight in their own shoes. However, Amara’s dominance should not be seen as the same as the current regime that is bent on destroying not only Amaras but the rest of our ethnic groups including Tigrayans creating arrognace that might lead to their own demise if they don’t get their act together. Unlike Tigrayans, Amara regions had/has many poverty even if we consider past ruling was Amara dominant. So the story that amara benefited in the past is completely fabricated. If Amara solely benfited and ruled like Tigrayans today then Wollo among Tigray would not have starved in the 70’s. Today, TPLF systematically starves Oromos and Amaras and the rest of Ethiopian region while there is full of bread, butter, honey in Tigray region today. So this inequality is unprecedented.
Again, does this mean WE have to be extremists against Tigrayans? No. We have to reach out to Tigrayans to change their ways however such indifference from us has definitely emboldened Tigrayans to the point there is no return. So while we are reaching out to Tigrayans, we must at the same time must be very strong and continue to move towards our goal because we must recognize that Tigrayans have exhibited towards Ethiopians as an enemy and this must not be seen lightly nor be indifference. This tolerance must stop by any means necessary because now the situation in Ethiopia has reached at the peak that might lead to the destruction of Ethiopia.
Let me add and say that TPLF or Shaebia should not be the one brainwashing OLF or Oromos. The relations between Amaras and Oromos is their own and their differences and issues is their own and not TPLF’s or Shaebia’s. That is when OLF should have understand.
Gezaee,
I have always appreciated your educated and intelligent comment on any site. I think you are from Tigray and you are so far sighted. I am ashamed the so called opposition sites banned you including ER? Are they really struggling for Ethiopia or to repeat history of authoritarianism like TPLF? I think the so called Ethiopians and those websites who banned you because you bring in from true perspective, should then look themselves in the mirror. I have mentioned last time that such thinkers such as yours must get tother as a think tank to bring solutions about Ethiopia ‘s situation.
Nahome,
You are definitely TPLF or Shaebia.
I urge all of you to stop your irrational exuberance and do your homework. I will give you two hints:
(1) General Kemal Galtu, was former OPDO general who purportedly defected to Eritrea to join the OLF. Many Oromos have always suspected him to be an infiltrator sent by the TPLF for explicit purpose of taking over or splitting the OLF. General Kemal Galtu was expelled from the OLF two years ago after the OLF leadership found out he was dealing with the TPLF. Since then many Oromo nationalists call him Kemal Galtu instead Kemal Galchu.
(2) Dr. Nuro Dedefo who was interviewed by ESAT reporter is the brother of Suleyman Dedefo is one of the top leaders of the OPDO and he directly gets his orders from Meles Zenawi…
Do your homework and you will get what I am trying to tell you.
Dear fellow country men and women, I cant tell you how woyane supporters are terrified since the release of the news by OLF.
They are quite vigilant on the day to day press release and every political stance taken by prodemocracy factions which speed up the demise of Woyanne.
So when they are spying us we should also react the same way to them. Please gather information about woyanne supporters in the diaspora and when the time of judgment comes we will put them forward for the people of Ethiopia at home.
The information we are looking for includes:
Who is building a house on the land plot rewarded by woyanne for their loyal service of the regime.
Who is feeding every sort of information to the regime
and others.
If Rwandans forgiven each other and chosen to live together, we Ethiopians can do the same with mutual respect of one another. Yes, we have to be CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC when we are dealing with the group of people as OLF that have been brainwashed all their adult lives by the home grown terrorists Esayas Afwerqi and his blood-thirsty cousin tyrant Meles to hate Amharas and every thing about Ethiopia. As they say, the truth shall set you free, now the OLF have taken notice that they have been lied to intentionally by the two evil cousins to divide and rule Ethiopia. Amharas are not any different than the rest of Ethiopians, they have been oppressed by every leader the same as the rest of Ethiopians. No major roads, International Airports, Modern schools or Hospitals have ever been build especially for Amharas by any leader as tyrant Meles has been doing for his hometown on the back of all Ethiopians. I am half Amhara and Oromo, believe me, my heart goes out when some Ethiopians point fingers on all Amharas on unfounded charges, when Amharas have suffered just as much, if not more. If people travel to Gojam, Gondar and Wollo, they will notice how they struggle with life like every Ethiopian. UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL.