By Daandii Ragabaa

FINFINNEE – In a statement released on May 28, 2026 (Caamsaa 28, 2026), the Oromo Liberation Front (ABO) has publicly expressed its deep gratitude to all stakeholders who have contributed to the success of its election campaign. The announcement marks a significant moment in the ABO’s ongoing journey from armed struggle to peaceful political competition.

The ABO’s path to this election has been anything but straightforward. It is a story of return, resilience, and the difficult transition from battlefield to ballot box.

The Return: From Peace Deal to Political Party

Following the wave of political change that swept Ethiopia in 2018, the ABO entered into formal negotiations with the Ethiopian government on August 07, 2018 (Hagayya 07, 2018). These talks culminated in a peace agreement, and on September 15, 2018 (Fulbaana 15, 2018), the ABO leadership made a historic return from exile to Finfinnee.

For a movement that had spent decades in the armed struggle, the return was momentous. Thousands of Oromo welcomed their leaders home. The expectation was that the ABO would now transition seamlessly into a peaceful political force, competing openly for the hearts and minds of the Oromo people.

But the road was not smooth.

Obstacles and Perseverance

According to the ABO’s statement, the political space that was supposed to open after the peace deal was quickly constricted. Obstacles and blockages emerged from various directions.

“For over five years,” the statement reads, “the party’s activities were suppressed. Yet, steadfast members continued to work under extremely difficult conditions, advancing the party’s agenda step by step.”

The ABO does not hide its frustration. It acknowledges that “unnecessary obstacles and blockages created realities that no one can deny.” But rather than retreat, the party waited. It organized quietly. It kept its structures alive.

Then, on June 22, 2025 (Waxabajjii 22, 2025), a breakthrough occurred. The ABO’s central office in Gullallee was officially reopened following a long-overdue reorganization. With this new breath of life, the party resumed its peaceful political activities in earnest.

Entering the 7th National Election

With its structures reactivated, the ABO made a decisive choice: to participate in Ethiopia’s 7th national election. This would be the party’s first major electoral test since its return.

The ABO notes that its branches, though closed for years, had not been dormant. Once the decision to participate was made, the party threw itself into intensive preparation. It presented its candidates, organized public debates to explain its Manifesto and Ideologies, and launched a full-scale election campaign across polling stations in Finfinnee, Shagarri City, and various zones and woredas of Oromiya.

The statement emphasizes that the party has been working hard to meet all electoral requirements and continues to do so.

A Thank You to Election Partners

The core of the ABO’s May 28 announcement is a heartfelt thank you to all those who have supported the party’s election efforts.

Specifically, the ABO expresses gratitude to:

• The Election Board for facilitating the process.
• The Administrative Structure (Caasaa Bulchiinsaa) for its role in enabling the campaign.
• The Oromia Police – to whom the ABO extends special thanks – for maintaining security and order during the campaign period.
• The ABO Security Body (Qaama Nageenyaa ABO) for its work in protecting party activities.

The ABO also notes that it is actively working to secure the release of individuals who have been “unnecessarily detained,” signaling ongoing concerns about political freedoms.

Acknowledging the Hard Times

Beyond institutional partners, the ABO takes a moment to thank its own members—both within the party structure and outside of it—who have remained loyal during times of difficulty and hardship.

“Those who stood with the ABO during difficult times and times of crisis,” the statement says, “we thank you.”

The party also extends its gratitude to the Oromo people themselves, whose enduring support has been the bedrock of the movement’s survival.

And in a rare gesture of acknowledgment, the ABO thanks the various media outlets that covered its election campaign, specifically naming OBN, AMN, OMN, HNN, and others whose names are not mentioned—but whose contributions are not forgotten.

A Clear Message: No Other Agenda

The ABO takes care to clarify its position in the current political landscape.

“The ABO has no agenda other than peaceful political competition on the political field, with its own ideas and platform,” the statement declares.

It is a pointed message directed at both the government and rival political forces. The ABO wants to be seen as what it claims to be: a political party, not a shadow military structure. It seeks victory through votes, not bullets.

A Call for Unity Against Division

The statement concludes with a warning and a call to action.

“The enemies of the Oromo people,” the ABO asserts, “are working harder than ever to break us as a people, as Oromo. They are determined to divide us.”

To counter this, the ABO calls on all its members and supporters to set aside political differences and ideological disagreements. The immediate task, the party argues, is to strengthen Oromo unity.

“Let us put aside our political and ideological differences,” the statement urges, “and fortify our solidarity.”

Victory for the Broad Public

The ABO ends its announcement with its enduring slogan:

Injifannoo Ummata Bal’aaf! – Victory for the Broad Public!

As the 7th national election approaches, the ABO is on the ground, campaigning, presenting candidates, and asking the Oromo people to vote for its representatives. Whether the party will translate its historical legitimacy into electoral success remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the ABO is no longer a distant memory of struggle. It is a present reality of politics.

And it intends to be counted.

Adda Bilisummaa Oromoo (ABO) – April 28, 2026 – Finfinnee

“The ABO has no agenda other than peaceful political competition.”