Why is the coordination of OLF, OFC and OPP necessary for the advancement of political interest of Oromo?

This is a fundamental question in contemporary Oromo politics. The argument that coordination between the OLF, OFC, and OPP is necessary stems from a strategic analysis of the challenges facing the Oromo people.

Here is a breakdown of the reasoning, based on common political arguments:

1. Overcoming Political Fragmentation

The Oromo people, despite being the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia, have often found their political influence weakened by internal divisions. Each of these three parties represents significant, but distinct, segments of Oromo society:

· OLF (Oromo Liberation Front): Represents the longstanding nationalist and self-determination struggle. It has historical credibility, a strong diaspora base, and is seen by its supporters as the standard-bearer for Oromo sovereignty.
· OFC (Oromo Federalist Congress): Represents a civil disobedience and legalist approach. Led by prominent figures like Merera Gudina and the imprisoned Jawar Mohammed, it has massive grassroots mobilization within Oromia and focuses on working within (or challenging) the constitutional federal system.
· OPP (Oromo People’s Party): Often seen as representing a pragmatic and moderate wing. It aims to build broader coalitions and may appeal to constituencies wary of the more hardline stances of the other parties.

The Necessity: When these groups work at cross-purposes, they split the Oromo vote, confuse the international community, and allow the central government to employ a “divide and rule” strategy. Coordination creates a unified front, presenting a single set of demands and a coherent political vision, which is far more powerful than fragmented voices.

2. Creating a Unified Bargaining Position

A divided opposition has little leverage in negotiations with a powerful central government. The incumbent Prosperity Party (PP) can easily ignore, co-opt, or suppress isolated groups.

· Strength in Numbers: A coordinated bloc of the OLF, OFC, and OPP would represent an overwhelming majority of Oromo political sentiment. This makes it impossible for the government to dismiss them as a “fringe group” and forces genuine negotiation.
· Negotiating from Strength: Whether the goal is greater autonomy, fairer distribution of resources, or a genuine federal system, a unified Oromo position would have significantly more weight in determining the future of the Ethiopian state.

3. Pooling Resources and Capabilities

Each party has unique strengths that, when combined, create a more formidable political force:

· The OLF brings a clear, historic ideology and a dedicated network of supporters.
· The OFC possesses unparalleled grassroots mobilization and a proven ability to organize mass movements.
· The OPP can offer a bridge to other ethnic groups and a platform for more moderate or coalition-oriented politics.

The Necessity: By coordinating, they can pool their organizational skills, international advocacy efforts, and grassroots networks. This makes their collective action—be it electoral campaigns, diplomatic outreach, or peaceful protest—infinitely more effective.

4. Countering External Threats and Ensuring Security

The phrase “thwart the campaign from the north to Oromia” directly references security concerns, particularly the expansion of the war involving the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) or other Amhara forces into Oromia.

· A fragmented Oromo political leadership cannot coordinate a unified defense or security strategy.
· A coordinated command or political directive would be essential to organize resistance, protect civilians, and present a united stance against any invading force. Disunity makes Oromia vulnerable.

5. Legitimizing the Struggle and Providing a Clear Alternative

For the average Oromo, political disunity at the top leads to disillusionment and apathy. When parties are squabbling, it delegitimizes the entire struggle for self-determination.

· A Credible Alternative: Coordination shows the Oromo people and the world that these leaders can put aside differences for the greater good. It presents a credible alternative to the current government, not just as protest movements, but as a potential governing coalition.
· Restoring Faith: It helps rebuild public trust in the political process by demonstrating that the leadership is serious about achieving tangible results rather than pursuing individual party agendas.

In summary, the argument is that the political interests of the Oromo people are too vast and face too powerful an opponent to be advanced by any single party acting alone. The coordination of the OLF, OFC, and OPP is seen not as a preference, but as a strategic imperative to

· Consolidate political power.
· Negotiate effectively with the state.
· Defend the region with coordinated force-Oromian Defense Force.
· Present a viable path forward for the Oromo nation.

Without this unity, the risk is continued marginalization, despite the Oromo people’s numerical majority and historical claims.