Leadership emphasizes unity, grassroots organizing, and unwavering commitment to the Oromo cause

FINFINNE, Gullallee — The Oromo Liberation Front (ABO) convened a significant consultative meeting with its members on February 21, 2026, at its headquarters in Gullallee to discuss the current political situation and the upcoming 7th round elections. The gathering brought together Qondaaltota (junior leaders), Dabballoota (cadres), and general membership for extensive deliberations on the path forward.

The meeting was led by senior OLF leader Jaal Abdii Raggaasaa and GS-ABO member Jaal Gammachiis Tolasa, who guided discussions on the organization’s electoral strategy, organizational strengthening, and continued commitment to the Oromo people’s aspirations.

Building Oromia: A Task Without Geographic Boundaries

Addressing members, Jaal Abdii Raggaasaa emphasized that the work of building Oromia and the Oromo nation extends beyond Ethiopia’s borders. He noted that OLF has been engaged in building Oromo consciousness and organization both inside Oromia and throughout the diaspora—wherever Oromos reside.

“Our foundational organizing must begin at the grassroots level, starting from the village,” Abdii stated, emphasizing that organic community-based organizing remains essential to lasting political change.

He stressed that the Oromo people, having been organized and mobilized, must now struggle for their rights with even greater unity than before—rallying under the banner of their organization to achieve their aspirations.

The Nature of Struggle: Strength Through Commitment

Reflecting on the inevitable fluctuations of liberation movements, Abdii acknowledged that any organization engaged in struggle experiences periods of strength and periods of weakness. However, he emphasized that these fluctuations are ultimately determined by the commitment and determination of the organization’s members.

“Some individuals enter the organization (Irbuu) but then exploit it—seeking personal benefit rather than serving the people’s cause. When such people exist, it is they themselves who suffer the consequences, not ABO and not others,” he explained.

Abdii further noted that throughout ABO’s history, the organization has built individuals, educated them about its goals and vision, and brought them into the struggle. Even among those who entered the organization and then exploited it, he observed that none have succeeded—only those who remained committed have prevailed.

“For those who adopt ABO’s goals and vision and then exploit the organization—the struggle of ABO is a struggle of blood and bone. Even God will hold them accountable. They will not succeed.”

Integrity and Moral Responsibility

The senior leader emphasized that all members must uphold the moral integrity of the organization, carrying forward its goals and vision in a manner that builds the Oromo people and the nation .

“If we are people of truth, our people will never abandon us under any circumstances,” Abdii declared. “But if we are people of falsehood, even if we hold something, we will lose it. Therefore, if we do not believe in truth, we should abandon the struggle—but we must not build the people with lies.”

He stressed that when ABO struggles with pure truth on its side, its victory will be immense and far-reaching. “When we march with truth, when we struggle for justice, we not only build the people easily—we also build ourselves within the structures of government. Therefore, let us speak only truth to our people.”

Seizing the Moment: The 7th Round Elections

Participants in the meeting shared perspectives on the upcoming elections, emphasizing that this is an opportunity that must be seized. Members stressed that supporting ABO through these challenging times and utilizing available opportunities is not merely a matter of preference but an obligation for all members. Therefore, everyone must work diligently for the upcoming 7th round elections .

OLF: The Center of Oromo Peace

Jaal Yaasoo Kabbabaa Hordofa, another OLF official, emphasized that “OLF is the center of Oromo peace,” and that the Oromo people must strengthen their resolve.

Regarding electoral participation, Yaasoo noted that if any organization has enabled Oromo participation in elections, and if OLF participates this year, it will mark the first and largest chapter in Oromo electoral history. Therefore, the Oromo people must seize this opportunity, exercise their rights, and fulfill their responsibilities.

Reflecting on the nature of the struggle, Yaasoo added: “In the struggle ABO is waging, even if we face extinction—if we are reduced to just one person—we must speak as ABO. We must not hide ourselves. We may face extinction, but we must not retreat into silence.”

A Legacy of Sacrifice, A Future of Commitment

Jaal Keeriyaa Ibraahim echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that an organization that has reached this point through enormous sacrifice cannot now retreat into silence. Regarding the upcoming 7th round elections, she called on members to dedicate themselves fully and work without hesitation .

“OLF’s struggle has always been a struggle of self-reliance,” Keeriyaa emphasized. “As long as the Oromo people exist, our organization need not struggle. Just as it has relied on itself in the past and trusted its people, today it relies on our people. Therefore, we members must work diligently to strengthen it.”

Conclusion: The Work Continues

The consultative meeting at Gullallee reaffirmed OLF’s commitment to the Oromo people’s struggle for self-determination, dignity, and democratic rights. With the 7th round elections approaching, the organization is mobilizing its members and supporters to participate actively while maintaining the integrity and moral clarity that have defined its decades-long struggle.

As members departed the headquarters, the message was clear: OLF remains the center of Oromo peace, the voice of Oromo aspiration, and the organizational home for those committed to the liberation struggle. The work continues—with truth as its foundation, sacrifice as its currency, and victory as its destiny.

ABO haa waaru! (Long live OLF!)
Injifannoon Ummata Oromoo! (Victory to the Oromo people!)