What are ODF’s stated goals and political demands?

The stated goals and political demands of the Oromian Defense Force (ODF)—also associated with the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and its armed wing, the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA)—focus on national self-determination, justice, and inclusive governance for the Oromo people in Ethiopia.[1][2][3]

Stated Goals
– **National Self-Determination:** The ODF aims to secure the inalienable right of the Oromo people to determine their own political status and govern their affairs, free from external manipulation and systemic oppression.[2][3]
– **End Oppression and Exploitation:** The movement is fundamentally committed to ending historical and ongoing political, economic, and cultural domination faced by Oromos under successive Ethiopian regimes.[2]
– **Democratic Rights:** The ODF calls for establishing a system where democratic rights, including political participation, civil liberties, and equality before the law, are fully guaranteed for all citizens.[2]
– **Cultural and Linguistic Rights:** It demands protection and promotion of the Oromo language, culture, and traditions as essential aspects of Oromo identity.[1][2]

Political Demands
– **Establishment of a Federal System:** ODF advocates for a genuine federal structure that grants real autonomy and self-rule to regional states, particularly Oromia, while allowing voluntary union with other Ethiopian peoples based on equality and mutual respect.[1][2]
– **Professional and Inclusive Security Forces:** The ODF’s proposals include a national defense force that is non-partisan, professional, and reflective of the country’s demographics, plus regional National Guards under civilian control for internal security.[1]
– **Ending Political Repression:** Official demands include the cessation of arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, and suppression of Oromo political leaders, activists, and civilians.[4]
– **Justice and Power-Sharing:** The ODF has sought equitable power-sharing arrangements at the federal level and called for accountable, inclusive governance in all of Ethiopia.[4]
– **Peaceful Negotiation and Reconciliation:** The movement is open to dialogue and peaceful negotiation, provided these processes address core Oromo grievances and guarantee enforceable commitments to justice and autonomy.[4][2]

Overall, the ODF’s political program centers on recognition, autonomy, equity, and comprehensive reforms to empower the Oromo people within Ethiopia’s political landscape.[3][2][4][1]

Sources
[1] ADDA DEMOKRAATAWAA OROMO (ADO) … https://zelalemkibret.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/adda-demokraatawaa-oromo.pdf
[2] Mission – Oromo Liberation Front https://oromoliberationfront.org/english/mission/
[3] Objective of The Oromo Liberation Front is national self- … https://www.facebook.com/OLFinfo/posts/objective-of-the-oromo-liberation-front-is-national-self-determination-for-the-o/1681980898611603/
[4] Peace—and justice—remain elusive in Oromia https://www.ethiopia-insight.com/2024/10/17/peace-and-justice-remain-elusive-in-oromia/
[5] Ethiopia Advancing Toward Capable, Modern Military https://www.ena.et/web/eng/w/eng_6899789
[6] 53 https://www.eisa.org/storage/2023/05/2022-journal-of-african-elections-v21n2-transformative-power-oromo-protests-ethiopia-resilience-political-change-eisa.pdf
[7] Military Operations Intensify in Amhara, Oromia as Peace … https://borkena.com/2025/04/21/ethiopia-military-operations-intensify-in-amhara-oromia-as-peace-dialogue-faces-hurdles/
[8] “Will We Really Have Peace?”: OFC Calls For End To … https://www.thereporterethiopia.com/42840/
[9] Oromo Liberation Army https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oromo_Liberation_Army
[10] Country policy and information note: Oromos, the … https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ethiopia-country-policy-and-information-notes/country-policy-and-information-note-oromos-the-oromo-liberation-front-and-the-oromo-liberation-army-ethiopia-march-2022-accessible