ONLF Statement
On Exploitation Of Ogaden Oil & Gas Wealth
The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has stated on multiple occasions that we will not allow the exploitation of the oil and gas wealth of our country as long as our people are denied their legitimate rights to self-determination. In that context, the ONLF affirms that if reports that Petronas will resume oil exploration activities in Ogaden are true, this will not be tolerated.
When our people reclaim their rights to self-determination, all legitimate ventures aimed at exploiting the oil and gas wealth of our country will be entertained. However, until such time, all companies interested in engaging in such activities should be on notice that the Ogaden is a war zone and that the Ethiopian regime does not have effective control of Ogaden, nor does it have the legitimacy to enter into contracts on behalf of our people.
Petronas and similar companies should consider the damage to their reputation if they effectively enter into a contract with a regime engaged in war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ogaden. These companies would be better served by seeking to play a role in resolving the long standing conflict between the Somali people of Ogaden and successive Ethiopian regimes so that they can pursue their economic interests in an environment where they are welcomed by the people.
We urge Petronas to exercise corporate responsibility and steer clear of Ogaden so long as our people are victims of genocide and their rights to determine their own future are violently denied. To do anything less would be to act as an accomplice to a regime engaged in yet another African genocide.
Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF)