Category Archives: Press Release
Oromia Peace Institute: Bridging Dialogue and Community Action
An Oromia Peace Institute is necessary to provide a permanent, professional, Oromo‑centered hub for conflict analysis, dialogue, and peace education that can guide political and community actors out of the current cycles of violence. It would connect Gadaa/Waaqeffannaa-based peace values, community experience, and modern peace-research methods into one institution that serves all of Oromia and contributes to Ethiopia-wide settlement efforts.
Current gaps in Oromia
Studies on Oromia’s security show there is no clear, comprehensive regional peacebuilding framework, and indigenous Oromo mechanisms like Gadaa, Abba Gadaa, and Siinqee are not systematically used in present peace processes. Existing initiatives are often short-term projects run by NGOs or ad‑hoc committees, so lessons are lost, coordination is weak, and there is no single reference body for evidence-based advice on the Oromia conflict.
What such an institute would do
An Oromia Peace Institute could systematically collect data on conflicts across zones and woredas, produce regular trend analyses, and advise government, parties, elders, and civic groups using rigorous and locally grounded research. It could design and support community-led dialogue processes that elevate elders, women, and youth, similar to participatory action research and dialogue models already piloted in Oromia by partner organisations.
Linking tradition and modern peacebuilding
Research highlights the relevance of Gadaa peace principles and Oromo customary institutions for conflict transformation, but these are not yet meaningfully integrated into formal policy and security structures. A dedicated institute could document Gadaa and Siinqee peace norms, train mediators and local officials in their use, and translate them into practical tools for modern governance and inter-ethnic conflict management.
Supporting political dialogue and long-term settlement
Recent calls for inclusive dialogue on Oromia’s crisis by Oromo political forces underline the need for neutral, credible technical support: mapping stakeholders, designing dialogue processes, and monitoring agreements. An Oromia Peace Institute can play this technical and moral support role, helping transform elite bargains into people-driven processes that include displaced communities, victims, women, and youth, and feeding Oromia’s experience into any broader Ethiopian peace architecture.
Position Statement of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF)
We, the members of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), convened in a two-day meeting on October 25 and November 1, 2025, at our headquarters in Gullalle.
Our deliberations have produced this five-point position statement concerning the past, present, and future of our party, the critical situation in Ethiopia, and ongoing developments in the African region and the world at large.
1) The Imperative for Peace and Justice
The pursuit of peace for the Oromo people is paramount. We unequivocally condemn the crimes against humanity perpetrated against the Oromo in recent years. We hold the government responsible for a systematic campaign of torture, employing tactics such as extrajudicial killings, forced displacement—notably through the Somali Special Forces in the East—and persecution under various pretexts across the nation.
The Oromo people possess an inalienable right to human rights and self-determination, equal to all peoples of the world. We therefore demand the establishment of an independent international body to investigate the wave of killings committed against the Oromo people over the past seven years, which continues unabated, including the assassination of our comrade, Jaal Battee Urgeessaa.
2) The Inviolability of Oromia’s Borders
The land of Oromia is the ancestral homeland of the Oromo people, whose presence spans centuries. All violations of Oromia’s established borders must cease immediately. The territorial integrity of Oromia is non-negotiable and must be respected unconditionally.
3) The Demand for Political Freedom
The current regime has deliberately closed the political arena and obstructed the lawful activities of the Oromo Liberation Front. This repression has perpetuated the subjugation of our people and illegally prevented our party from engaging with its constituents.
We demand the immediate and unconditional reopening of all OLF offices nationwide. Our party must be guaranteed the freedom to operate, to communicate its political program openly, and to dialogue directly with the people. OLF leadership must be free to travel, to conduct public forums, and to educate without hindrance. We further call for an end to the arbitrary arrests of our members and supporters, and for the immediate restoration of fundamental freedoms for media and civil society organizations.
4) The Sacred Unity of the Oromo People
We condemn in the strongest terms any and all attempts to fragment the Oromo people for transient political advantage. The unity of the Oromo is sacrosanct, forged by the ultimate sacrifice of our Shinigga heroes. It is a legacy built with their blood and bones, and it will not be weakened, bargained away, or destroyed.
5) A Renewed Vow and Final Resolution
In conclusion, and to fully achieve the aims and objectives of our struggle, we solemnly renew our vows to the Oromo cause. We reaffirm our acceptance of the duty before us and declare this position statement to be our final and resolute decision.
Victory to the Masses!
Members of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF)
November 1, 2025
Finfinnee
Statement on the Escalating Atrocities in Oromia
The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) issues this statement to strongly condemn the ongoing mass killing, imprisonment, torture, and systematic displacement of the Oromo people by Ethiopian government forces and allied militias, including the Amhara “Fano” group.
We are more alarmed than ever by the horrific war crimes being perpetrated. For the past seven years, democracy has been extinguished in Oromia, and the fundamental right to life has been obliterated. Our people are subjected to a campaign of terror, marked by land theft, explosions of violence, and the brutal suppression of any opposition. The existence and resilience of the Oromo Liberation Army is a direct consequence of this relentless persecution.
Recent Atrocities in Arsi Zone
Based on confirmed reports from October 28, 2025, in the Southeast Oromia Zone of Arsi, the government army (RIB) has committed numerous atrocities against civilians:
· In Jawi Kebele, Ona Shirka, 14 innocent people were executed without cause.
· On the border of the Wabe River, two young schoolchildren, who were not of an age to be involved in the conflict, were killed by government soldiers and their bodies thrown into the river.
· In Gobessa town, three youths were killed and their bodies dumped.
· In Honqolo Wabe, Baqaqsa Kebele, five individuals were executed by government soldiers and discarded in a field.
· In Arfatu Kebele, two children who were building a statue for their father’s grave were abducted. They were later found killed and thrown into a water store near Tulu Biyo.
Across the entirety of South Eastern Oromia, the systematic imprisonment, beating, robbery, and burning of villages and homes are the deliberate work of the government army. These reports illuminate a pattern of state-sanctioned violence that we are duty-bound to expose.
Political Persecution and Arbitrary Detention
Alongside these killings, our members and supporters are being arbitrarily imprisoned for their political beliefs. Among the many suffering in detention are:
· Jal Abbu Obse, who has been suffering in Ona Dugda prison for over a year without adequate healthcare.
· Comrade Abdulsalam Ona Sude, jailed for nine months alongside his wife and daughter.
· Comrade Taha Mamad Ona Robe, who is currently imprisoned in Ona Robe.
A Pattern of War Crimes
The actions of the government and affiliated militias over the past seven years constitute severe war crimes. These include burning homes, desecrating corpses by carrying them on donkeys, hanging bodies from trees, prohibiting burials, feeding the dead to hyenas, and looting and driving away the cattle of our people. These are the documented tactics of the “Bilthigina” and “Fano” forces.
Government Incitement and Intent
The Ethiopian Prime Minister, Dr. Abiy Ahmed, stated in Parliament on October 28, 2025, that “The war held in Tigray is not greater than the one held in Wollega,” while dismissing the conflict in Tigray as “baseless and useless.” This rhetoric is a stark admission that the government has consciously pursued a war of even greater intensity in Oromia. It confirms that the federal government’s true war is not in Tigray, but against the Oromo people. We believe this public declaration confirms the brutal campaign they have long waged in the shadows.
Our Position and Call to Action
The Prosperity Party (PP) government continues to kill civilians with impunity. The OLF reiterates that a nation cannot be led by violence and madness, nor by slandering its own people. A system that sustains itself by such means is illegal and must be held accountable.
The war the government is facing is a war against the broad Oromo populace. The Prime Minister’s own words prove that the conflict in Wollega—the heart of Oromia—is their primary focus.
Therefore, we call upon:
1. Our Oromo People: We urge all Oromos, especially our diaspora communities in neighboring countries and abroad, to become the voice for those being slaughtered day and night. We call on you to stand in unwavering solidarity with our people.
2. The International Community: We appeal to all believers in human rights, the United Nations, the African Union, international human rights organizations, and the global community to condemn the war crimes being committed against the Oromo people. We demand you exert necessary pressure on the Ethiopian government to:
· Immediately cease all attacks on civilians.
· Release all political prisoners held without charge.
· Allow unfettered humanitarian aid to reach affected populations.
May God have mercy on the souls of our people who were so brutally killed, and may He grant patience and strength to their families and all Oromo people.
A Victory for the People!
Oromo Liberation Front (OLF)
Finfinne | October 30, 2025
OROMIA: OSG Releases its 53 Reports on Human Rights Violations in Ethiopia
In a new report 53, OSG documents how security forces committed grave human rights violations in the country.
The most significant human rights issues included: arbitrary deprivation of life, disappearances, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment by security forces; harsh and life-threatening prison conditions; arbitrary arrest and detention by security forces; denial of a fair public trial; infringement of privacy rights; restrictions on freedoms of speech, press, internet, assembly, association, and movement; and lack of accountability.
The government generally did not take steps to prosecute or otherwise punish officials who committed human rights abuses.
OSG has now recorded 1134 extra-judicial killings of civilians by government forces since three students were shot dead in Jimma Agaro in October 2018.
Read the full report from the bottom link!
oromia-support-group-human-right-report-number-53Download
Appeal letter to UN et al
October 15, 2020
From:
Human Rights Organizations and Civic Institute
Contact email: Globaloag@gmail.com
To:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Palais Wilson – 52, rue des Pâquis
CH-1201 Geneva, Switzerland
E-mail:ccpr@ohchr.org
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
31 Bijilo Annex Layout, Kombo North District
Western Region P.O. Box 673 Banjul, The Gambia
E-mail: au-banjul@africa-union.org ,
africancommission@yahoo.com
European Commission
Rue de la Loi / Wetstraat 170
B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel
Belgique/België
Email: eric.mamer@ec.europa.eu
International Committee of the Red Cross
19 Avenue de la paix
1202 Geneva, Switzerland
Eamil: press@icrc.org
Committee to Protect Journalists
P.O. Box 2675
New York, NY 10108
Email: info@cpj.org
CC;
Amnesty International, East Africa
Riverside Studios, PO Box 1527, 00606 Sarit
Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
contactus@amnesty.org
Human Rights Watch
350 Fifth Avenue, 34th floor
New York, NY 10118-3299 USA
hrwpress@hrw.org
The Genocide Watch
S-CAR, George Mason University. 3351
North Fairfax Drive, MS4D3
Arlington, VA 22201
communications@genocidewatch.org
We, the undersigned Human Rights Organizations and civic institutes, write this letter to you out of grave concern with the current political and constitutional crises in Ethiopia and the foreseen human catastrophe. International human rights organizations like Amnesty International and various National and International media outlets have reported that the Ethiopian government has continuously engaged in massive human rights violations*.
some of which may, in fact, amount to genocide. The rule of law has never shone in Ethiopia both in its literary meaning as well as the politico-legal context. Arbitrarily arresting citizens and dictatorial rule have remained the hallmarks of the Ethiopian rulers for more than one hundred and fifty years. The people of Ethiopia, particularly the Oromo people and people of the Southern Nations and Nationalities, however, continue to yearn for democratic governance.
The fall of the barbaric feudal system in 1974 that was in place since the 1940s gave way to the military junta that ruled Ethiopia with a brute force for 17 long years. The death of the military regime in 1991 paved a chance for a multi-ethnic coalition transitional government and a new federal structure meant to ease a century-long conflict and hegemony of a single ethnic culture. However, the bright light quickly dimmed when the TPLF acted to purge the OLF (a major Political Organization representing the Oromo people) out of the transitional government, paving a way for a protracted war and continued marginalization of the Oromo people. The resistance waged by the OLF against the TPLF via armed struggle, clandestine resistance, and mass uprising eventually forced the EPRDF to kneel down, ending the hegemony of the TPLF in 2018. It also gave a golden opportunity for the emergence of individuals like the current Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, to usurp the movement from within under the guise of reform.
In the beginning, the PM presented himself as someone who has the will to chart a new path for the country. Internally, however, he was making pacts with those who adore old Ethiopia and vowing to restore the glory of the imperial system known for its racist and hegemonic strata – the single source of all evils stirring Ethiopia to this date. Given his public gesture and the desire of the mass in Ethiopia for change, many opposition political parties including the OLF consented to work with the regime on building a new path for the country and they showed their commitments by taking bold steps: declaring unilateral ceasefire, agreeing to demobilize their armed forces, and relocating their leadership from exile back to Ethiopia.
However, it did not take the Abiy government more than a few months to abrogate on these concessions and embark on the usual culture of intimidation of the leaders of the OLF, rounding up of their supporters, and subsequently, declaring a war of annihilation on the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) that were in the process of demobilizing. Ever since, the supporters of the OLF and the Oromo people have been living under a constant threat of military command, abductions from their homes and workplaces, and being hoarded into premises with little or no facilities to house human beings. Numerous representatives of the OLF, prominent elders, intellectuals, and entrepreneurs have, therefore, fallen prey to Abiy Ahmed’s police state inherited from his time working for the TPLF.
The official tenure of Abiy Ahmed’s regime has also ended on October 5, 2020. Given the precarious state of affairs facing the country, the OLF has called for the establishment of a transitional government in Oromia. And this OLF call has gained popular support from the Oromo people both within and outside of the country.
However, it appears that the call has served as a de facto reason for the ire of the Abiy Ahmed government to be directed against the OLF and the Oromo people. The October 12, 2020, blatant attack by the Armed forces dispatched with the direct order of Abiy Ahmed on the OLF chairman, Mr. Dawud Ibsa is one such example and an alarming recipe for disaster in the country. When Mr. Ibsa’s home was raided, renowned Oromo elders, political figures, and community leaders along with some non-government affiliated media Journalists were also rounded up by Ethiopia’s federal police and security personnel with no court order.
Besides interrupting Mr. Ibsa’s media briefing related to the current political and constitutional crises in the country, particularly in Oromia, the Federal Police has arrested several of the participants including the Oromo elders and journalists and more than dozens of the Audiences of the media briefing were ordered to remain in house arrest. The same day, the Federal Police have also rounded up a fundraising event organized by the Oromo Relief Association (ORA) for humanitarian aid in Sebeta, a city located on the South West of Finfinne. There too, the Federal Police has arrested serval people, including Mr. Dechasa Nuguse, chairman of the Association, Mrs. Yerosan Takele, and Mr. Jaleta Abdissa, who were facilitators of the event. Three Journalists who were reporting the event have also been arrested.
We feel that the October 12, 2020 incidence on a peaceful gathering of people at a private residence of a major leader of a political organization constitutes state terrorism and is the making of a fascist act targeted at the Oromo people. We note that the attack on Mr. Dawud Ibsaa, a symbol of the Oromo political capital and an icon of endurance, resilience, principle, and resistance, is the last bell to ring before the canon goes loose in the country. Putting the very fact that Ethiopia (a country of over 110 million out of which the Oromo alone roughly constitute 50 million) cannot afford armed civil strife, therefore, we call upon;
1) all peace-loving countries, representatives, and the international community to help avert the looming crisis in Ethiopia by intervening as outlined in OLF’s press statement of September 13, 2020, that called for international arbitration of Ethiopia’s complex constellation of conflicts;
2) the UN, AU, EU, and major donor governments to the regime in Ethiopia to exert maximum pressure as they have the leverage to stop Abiy Ahmed’ killing spree and a mass crackdown from going awry;
3) the International community that has the leverage to help the call for a peaceful transition to succeed by providing the necessary material, financial, diplomatic, and security assistance to the national stakeholders as needed;
4) the international community to understand that inaction to this call may lead to the repeat of the carnage in the Balkans and the tragedy in Rwanda that occurred during the first half of the 1990s in both instances.
5) the international Human Rights Organizations to diligently follow the situation in Ethiopia, particularly in Oromia, and expose the human rights violations perpetrated by the Abiy government’s military and security forces.
Sincerely
1. Advocacy for Oromia
2. Global Oromo Advocacy Group
3. Horn of Africa Genocide Watch
4. International Oromo Women’s Organization
5. International Qeerroo Support Group
6. Oromo Parliamentarians Council
7. Oromo Political Prisoners Association
8. Oromia Support Group – Australia
9. United Oromo Christian Church of Australia
Here is the PDF format of the Appeal Letter: Appeal letter_GOAG_2020_4_10-16-20
* Ethiopia: “Beyond law enforcement” human rights violations by Ethiopian security forces in Amhara and Oromia
(https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/afr25/2358/2020/en/)
The Fundamental Solution to Ethiopian Politics – New Approach
[VOL – October 08,2020] The current political crisis in Ethiopia, specially, that of Oromia, are not only meant to make Oromia war and insecure zone; rather, driving Ethiopia to irreversible misery. Oromia Regional State is under the State of Emergency. Because of the failure to timely solve political crisis, the former government structure is already broken down. Currently, there is no elected administrative organ expected to solve problems of the people. There is nowhere the people go and complains for solution even when: killed, robbed and their property are destructed. If this continues, the worse would follow. In addition, we hope that operation of various forces contributed for Dissolution of Oromia, and further aggravated not to come out of those chaos. Finally, this will inevitably mislead our way.
It is crystal clear that the dissolution of Oromia will not only bring troubles to the Oromo people, besides, it will bring continuous sufferings to the Citizens of Oromia. No one could deny the fact that massive troubles are coming towards every individual, family and Ethiopia as a country. Thus, in order to bring about a sustainable peace and security, looking for an immediate resolution and systematic way out is very much needed.
Oromos and the Citizens of Oromia have many things in common. They share same country, lifestyle, political problems, culture as well economic system, for so long period of time. Specially, it is known that we have struggled and have been struggling the with the problems brought by the political culture of Ethiopia, from generation to generation. This also shows the strong relationships the Oromo people has with other Peoples of Ethiopia.
As we have went through many struggles, again these days, we believe that it is time for Oromos and Citizens of Oromia to Unite and establish our Transitional Government in common; and thereby alienate from our problems, and fulfill our common and personal interests.
Ethiopian People in general should bear your responsibilities in stabilizing the Oromia region. By doing so, you wouldn’t only rescue your citizens residing in Oromia; rather, it would help us in fundametalizing what we have, as a country.
Dissolution of Oromia brings enormous happenings. It shall not only be problems of the Oromos and Citizens of Oromia, rather, we should consider that it will be problem of Ethiopia and that of the Horn of Africa in general. Therefore, immediately establishing Oromia National Transitional Government, is found decisive. What we have to understand here is that: The objective of establishing a Transitional Government is not to dissolve the country; besides, we would like to confirm to the Peoples of Ethiopia, Countries of the Horn of Africa and African Countries, as well, the United Nations, that it is aimed at solving the challenges to dissolve the country, and rescue the Country and Horn of Africa from the potential threats.
In history, Oromo has never dissolved, rather, it has built the Country. Oromo has never thought only for himself, and it has been shade for the other Nations and Nationalities. This shall be evident that the Nations and Nationalities settled in Oromia than other regions of the County. As a result, we shall confidently say that Oromia is Model of Ethiopia, where Nations and Nationalities reside. Establishment of the Transitional Government shall be important in securing those nations and nationalities residing in Oromia; and thereby strengthen their Unity and Cohabitation.
We again affirm that this Transitional Government, has an intent of strengthening the history and culture of the People which were already built. Besides, has no aim to dissolve the country. We want to drive the relationship of the Oromos and Citizens of Oromia to better level, and let it based on love and mutually building the country. We hope that this will be base for the sustainable peace of the rest regions of Ethiopia.
In this journey, OLF hereby send its message to Oromo and Citizens of Oromia, solve their daily problems together. This message of ours for the wider Oromo and Citizens of Oromia, and the planned Transitional Government shall be the first in history, and it is a stage in which government of the people, by the people and for the people shall be built and facilitate conditions for the same.
We are striving to make sure our future bright, in which every person shall have a determinant vote. Our objective and intent is to change the Partisan Political Culture of Ethiopia, and substituting the same, by the inclusive government made up of the entire citizens of Oromia, elected by the People and for the People.
OLF has no interest to make its political policy be burden on others, however, tries its best to hearing various entities and building common administration, in such a way that shall be good for the entire citizens. For the attainment of the same, we hereby express that: with the Citizens of Oromia, we will create a basic environment conducive from the very beginning to final. We hope this will bring about sustainable peace and stability.
If we change the political culture of Ethiopia, and build a stabilized, inclusive, impartial and all serving government in Oromia, every one shall predict what our country will looks like in a short period. If a government based on the equality of the citizens and interest of the people; if there shall be a clear interest and foreign relations of the country; if independency of the judiciary ensured; ìf the Peace keeping and the National Defense shall not loose own stand under the order of the ruling party; if the government shall be held responsible for their wrong doings; if human rights (individually and collectively) respected; we believe that our country shall be a place where its citizens lead a respectful and happy life.
When there shall be peace and stability, and if the Nations and Nationalities show their sense of belongingness about their country and government, it will not be difficult to bring development and prosperity. Our country is full of resources and attracts global investment. However, when the country lacks peace and stability, even operating investors leave. In order to enable domestic and foreign investors, to invest in the country without any threat and alienate our country from begging; if and only if, there is peace and stabilized government.
Youths and Skilled labour shall get employment opportunity and engage in building the country, only if there shall be peace and stabilized government. Citizens shall move from place to place and administer their families. Individual and collective properties shall get secured. Our children will learn or work peacefully. Love and Cooperation flourishes in our people, than hate and fighting. Using this, we will again build our culture of helping and encouraging each other.
Finally, the current political crisis of our country is very complex. Solving the complex problems under the rotten and outdated political culture became impossible. Although it was repeatedly tried, many lives were lost and enormous properties were destructed; it was unsuccessful. We shall only overcome these problems if and only if we come together, discuss and pace the way.
For time being, we should together build a Transitional Government of Oromia, that shall be basis of peace for other governments and regions. This shall also be a stage where we contribute our share and express our interest. On top of this, we shall solve the current problems related with peace and stability, if we come together and discuss, and establish the Transitional Government of Oromia interpret and succeed with the said Transitional Government, OLF again ensures that it has been working having deployed with full force. We also affirm that we are ready than ever to receive opinion of the public and concerned bodies, and make it for the best interest of the people. OLF reassures to you that, it will openly work with you, on the process of establishment and implementation of the National Transitional Government of Oromia.
Eventually, I would like to extend my Esteems Respect for the Citizens of Oromia and other Nations and Nationalities lost their lives in the last fifty years, for Democracy, Human Rights and Equality of the Nations and Nationalities. Specially, I hereby bestow our Eternal Respect for our Freedom Fighters who have helped us, to see this.
As well, I would like to extend my respect to Peace Keepers, who fought and lost their lives in protecting the people, standing with the people and bringing about peace.
In addition, I admire and respect the Addis Ababa Peace Keeping Police Forces (shortly: Addis Ababa Police), those who have kept human rights and dignities, as well, carried out their responsibilities lawfully, in a difficult political situation, leaving their family and life aside, and keeping peace day and night. Again, I bestow my deepest thank to those who stood with us individually, collectively and as institution, that you have encouraged us to further developour commitment and reach this level.
Since our statement of invitation for the establishment of the National Transitional Government of Oromia, those of the following, who stood with us, lined up with us and striving for the attainment of the same, are bestowed with esteemed thanks:
1. Honorable Citizens of Oromia who have accepted the invitation and stood with us
2. Political parties, specially, our partner OFC
3. Leaders of the OLF in and outside countries
4. Officials of OLF in and outside countries
5. Qeerro National Youth Movement for Freedom and Liberation 6. Oromo Supporters and Community
7. The Oromo Scholars and Professional Group
8. Oromo Global Forum
9. Leaders of different religions, who became voice of our people and transferred the invitation
10. Global Oromia Journalist Association
11. Global 39 Movement Support Group
12. Committee of Members and Supporters of OLF, working on getting Political Prisoners of Citizens of Oromia released
13. Those who were not mentioned
Thanks for listening.
Victory to the Mass
Dawud Ibsa Chairperson of the Oromo Liberation Front
October 8, 2020
Finfinne (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)
Political crisis can only be resolved through a political process.
Global Oromia Journalists Association
8 October 2020
(A4O, 8 October 2020) Global Oromia Journalists Association, GOJA, is a non-profit organization that provides a networking and resource forum for journalists of Oromia and Diaspora would like support the call of the major Oromo political parties, OLF and OFC, who have a majority number of supporters, for a transitional government in Oromia.
At this critical time the Global Oromia Journalists Association is observing five major contradictory processes have started to emerge in Ethiopia and Oromia.
Firstly, the decomposition of the Ethiopian colonial system and its institutional infrastructures such as the nafxanya government and other institutions.
Secondly, the emergence of progressive forces that are determined to establish a true multinational democracy in the context of federation or confederation, which guarantees national self-determination.
Thirdly, Oromia has become the hotspot of the emerging political contestation between the old and dying forces on one hand and the new and energized political and social movements on the other.
Fourthly, Abiy’s security infrastructure has detained most of the known OLF leadership to make it a marionette of PP or to simply destroy it.
Lastly, working to avoid the looming state collapse and the possible emergence of an empire-wide conflict and war will lead to a peaceful transition. Failure to wrap up this chapter of our struggle in a way it ensures our freedom and liberty will have huge consequences for our future.
The Global Oromia Journalists Association believe that mass media are regarded as one of the key democratic institutions vital in facilitating the process of democratisation, and peace-building. At this critical time, media can play an instrumental role in preventing the danger of state collapse and the total breakdown of the empire resulting in unimaginable human tragedy. At this critical time, journalists can play a vital role in supporting peaceful transition through critical reporting issues that matter.
The global powers should learn from the consequences of ignoring the national crises in Somalia, Yugoslavia, Yemen, Ruanda, etc. Early intervention in the impending crisis in Ethiopia can save millions of human lives, and can avert enormous refugee crisis and human misery of the local populations, and can also save humanitarian aid costs to international organizations and governments.
Therefore, Global Oromia Journalists Association calls upon all Oromo media residing in different parts of the world to support the call for a transitional government in Oromia. Our collaboration and support at this crucial time will lead to a peaceful transition paving the way to our nation freedom.
We believe that any political crisis can only be resolved through a political process. Thus, the proposal of establishing an all-inclusive transitional government is crucial, and it will require the support of all peace-loving entities.
With best regards,
Global Oromia Journalists Association
8 October 2020
A collective effort and responsibility of Oromummaa: Oromo’s role in executing the Oromia Transitional Government
October 4, 2020
Contact: Globaloag@gmail.com
It has been over two years since Dr. Abiy Ahmed became the Prime Minister of Ethiopia. Abiy came to power after the Tigray People Liberation Front (TPLF), the party that has dominated the Ethiopian politics for almost three decades, was toppled by the struggle of the Oromo people, visibly by the Oromo Youth Movement also known as Qeerroo Bilisummaa Oromo. When TPLF was forced to give up power and Dr. Abiy Ahmed took over the premiership, many, including the Oromo people, were optimistic that the Ethiopian Government will transition into a democratic state where citizens of all nations and nationalities will eventually be treated equally and with respect and dignity. Most welcomed this change with open arms, for they believed this would bring the much-needed changes including ending inequality, injustice, and human rights violations. Therefore, Abiy’s premiership position was to transition the country into an all-inclusive democratic political system. With believes, multiple opposition parties have also participated in the nation’s political realm.
Unfortunately, Abiy’s Government has been doing quite the contrary to his assignment and took an unexpected turn transitioning the country towards lawlessness, turmoil and complete lack of peace and stability. Abiy’s failure to uphold his promise and responsibilities led the country to where we are today, unstable and on the verge of collapsing. The political, economic and social crises in the country, particularly in Oromia, is at its worst juncture. Although Oromia has been under tight military command post rule for over two years, since the death of the prominent Oromo singer Hacaaluu Hundeessaa, the grip of the military and security forces and the extents of oppression on the Oromo people worsened. Military and security forces indiscriminately crackdown on innocent civilians, political dissent, activities, journalist and prominent Oromo community and religious leaders have intensified like never before. As we speak, hundreds of thousands of Oromo prisoners, including Oromo opposition party leaders, executive members, Oromo journalists, and civilians are suffering behind bars. Most of these detainees, especially the civilians, have not been brought to court or charged with any crime. Though the Abiy Government publicly condemned his predecessor, the TPLF, for terrorizing the Oromo people, he has been doing exactly the same since he became the Prime Minister.
A country should only be governed by a civilian government elected through fair and free election, not by a fully armed military. Command post should only be implemented temporarily in a valid state of emergency circumstances or during a time of war to ensure the safety and wellbeing of civilians. Therefore, in the current situation, the citizens of Oromia and other nations and nationalities do have a sovereign right to request and facilitate a transitional government in Oromia as well as at Federal level.
According to the Ethiopian constitution, Abiy’s Government was supposed to hold a national election in May 2020. However, with a pretext of the COVID-19 pandemic, the national election was postponed indefinitely. Using COVID-19 as a reason, when in fact the number was not significantly high, to postpone an election is not a valid reason. According to the constitution, the legal term of Mr. Abiy government ends on October 5, 2020 and as of today, no announcement is made about the next steps. As a result, while we get closer to the end date of the term, uncertainty and anxiety are particularly rising in Oromia. At the same time, the government continues its propaganda and exclusion of Oromo political opponents, such as the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), which have a significant number of supporters, from key political dialogues.
Regardless of the political exclusion, intimidation and imprisonment of its high-ranking officials, the OLF has released a press statement detailing what should be done to thwart the current constitutional crises in the country. In this press statement (click here to read the details), released on September 13, 2020, OLF laid out solutions focused approach for the current crises and called for the international communities, governments, AU, EU and the UN to put utmost pressure on the Abiy’s government to implement the resolution. We, the undersigned Human Rights Advocates, human rights organizations, and civic institutes also genuinely believe that the political solution OLF puts forward, which is also supported by Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC), would resolve the current political crises in the country.
Since, for the past two years, the Oromo people were illegally deprived of their rights to elect their leaders democratically. We believe, as also stated in the Charter of the United Nations, the Oromo people have the right to self-determination. Therefore, to form a transitional government for Oromia is a matter of human rights, to stabilize the country and facilitate proper policies, institutions and to ultimately provide the citizens the rights to elect their own government and provide a better run nation.
We, the undersigned human rights organizations, support the call of the major Oromo political parties, OLF and OFC, who have a majority number of supporters, for a transitional government in Oromia. A political crisis can only be resolved through a political process. Therefore, to ensure peace, security and order in the region, we believe that establishing an all-inclusive transitional government is crucial, and it will require the support of all peace-loving entities. A government attempts to quash the formation of this transitional government in Oromia will be unproductive, and therefore, we call for the Abiy government to refrain from such endeavors.
We would also like to call for all nations and nationalities in Ethiopia to support the OLF’s call to peacefully resolve these crises in Oromia and beyond. A peace in Oromia ensures peace in our neighbor’s state, and the vice versa. We are currently at a very critical juncture. Failure to wrap up this chapter of our struggle in a way it ensures our freedom and liberty will have huge consequences for our future. Therefore, we, the undersigned Oromo human rights organizations and civic institutes call upon the Oromo people residing in different parts of the world to support the call for a transitional government in Oromia. Your collaboration and support at this crucial time will lead to a peaceful transition paving the way to our freedom.
With these notions that all Oromos should play our part (Oromummaa), we invite and encourage everyone who is concerned about the well-being and safety of the Oromo people and the stability of Oromia to participate according to their capabilities and interest. When the current government becomes void or illegitimate as of October 5th, 2020, we should understand the fact that there will not be an official government in Oromia. Therefore, we the Oromo communities, civic and Oromo human rights organizations and elites in the diaspora should not simply sit back and watch when Oromia falls in disarray and becomes a lawless country. It is our moral and Oromummaa obligation to step up and play our roles in assisting the establishment of a peaceful transitional government called by OLF and OFC paving the way to a democratic, fair and free election. This will be realized only through our collective efforts and assuming our due responsibilities of Oromummaa.
Thus, we pledge to contribute our part according to our own mandate, and we also call for all Oromo organizations, whether political or non-political, to do the same.
Justice for All
- Advocacy for Oromia
- Global Oromo Advocacy Group
- Horn of Africa Genocide Watch
- International Oromo Women’s Organization
- International Qeerroo Support Group
- Oromo Parliamentarians Council
- Oromo Political Prisoners Association
- Oromia Support Group – Australia
- United Oromo Christian Church of Australia
THE PRESENT PHASE OF THE OROMO NATIONAL MOVEMENT: CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND ACTION ITEMS
The Oromo Scholars and Professional Group
Realizing the fact that the effort of transitioning the Ethiopian Empire to democracy has been derailed primarily because of the incompetency and ill will of the Abiy Ahmed government, which emerged in 2018 from the EPRDF and later formed the Prosperity Party (PP) to gain political legitimacy without shedding the authoritarian and colonial essence of the former party, the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) issued a declaration on September 13, 2020. In this declaration the front proposed the formation of an inclusive “national” convention in which all political parties and fronts in the empire as stakeholders would participate in developing a political road map, which would be acceptable to a broad majority of them, to avoid the looming state collapse and the possible emergence of an empire-wide conflict and war, and to ensure the transition to a genuine multinational democracy. Furthermore, the OLF invites international bodies such as the United Nations and its Security Council, the United Nations Human Rights Commission, and regional organizations such as the African Union and the European Union to be actively involved in the process of preventing the danger of state collapse and the total breakdown of the empire resulting in unimaginable human tragedy.
More importantly, the front calls upon all citizens of Oromia in general and independent Oromo political organizations, civic institutions, and professional associations in particular, to initiate the process of forming an Oromia transitional government to protect their society from the emerging political and security crises in Oromia and beyond. The Oromo Scholars and Professionals group believes that two major contradictory processes have started to emerge in Ethiopia and Oromia: 1) the decomposition of the Ethiopian colonial system and its institutional infrastructures such as the nafxanya government and other institutions, and 2) the emergence of progressive forces that are determined to establish a true multinational democracy in the context of federation or confederation, which guarantees national self-determination. Consequently, the Oromo Scholars and Professionals Group concurs with the explanations of the OLF and endorses its declaration.
Because of its abundant economic resources and geographical landmass, the size of its population, and the recent development of the Qeerroo/Qarree movement, which has mobilized the entire Oromo nation to fight against injustices and gross human rights violations, Oromia has become the hotspot of the emerging political contestation between the old and dying forces on one hand and the new and energized political and social movements on the other. Despite facing monumental challenges from its external and internal enemies, the Oromo national movement appears to have embarked on the final phase of its journey toward the long sought national self-determination. Particularly, the OLF, which mapped out the ideological and political roadmap of the Oromo nation in the 1970s by introducing an ideological innovation and the knowledge for liberation to Oromo society has challenged the underpinnings of Ethiopianism and nafxanyaa philosophy that have provided the justification for the abuse of Oromo humanity and identity, liberated the minds of millions of Oromos, and mobilized them to struggle for their freedom and liberate their country from Abyssinian/Habasha domination.
Consequently, the flourishing of national Oromummaa (Oromo national history, culture, and nationalism) and the consolidation of Oromo unity as demonstrated by the recent Qeerro/Qarree movement have revealed the potential of Oromo society to bring about fundamental transformations in Oromia, the Ethiopian Empire, and the Horn of Africa. In disapproval and objection to the development of Oromo political consciousness and national Oromummaa, the neo-nafxanya government of Abiy Ahmed and all external and internal enemies of the Oromo national struggle are currently attacking Oromo nationalists in general and independent Oromo political organizations such as the OLF and the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) and their key leaders, members and sympathizers in particular in order to deny the people the institutional and organizational capacity, which is absolutely necessary to empower the Oromo nation. The main objectives of the neo-nafxanayaa government and its collaborators are to continue disempowering the Oromo people by dispossessing their lands and other resources and by keeping them in the status of colonial subjects, who are disorganized and easily terrorized and dominated.
The recent ideological and intellectual victories of the Oromo national movement have disturbed the neo-nafxanyaas and their government. They are worried that they cannot successfully implement their grand plans for dismantling Oromia and Oromo nationhood/peoplehood. Their strategies are to fragment the Oromo nation into local and religious identities, partition Oromia again into colonial administrative regions, reimpose Habasha/Amhara culture and language, and to continue looting Oromia resources. The OLF and OFC have become the main obstacles to these grand schemes while some Oromo organizations and former politicians/activists are willingly becoming the agents of the neo-nafxanyaa government to satisfy their personal interests at the expense of the Oromo nation. Currently, Abiy and his government are trying to dismantle the independent leaderships of OLF and OFC and replace them by a subservient leadership that will be commanded by the neo-nafxanyaa government. They do this to continue Habasha/Amhara hegemony and to securely institutionalize Ethiopian settler colonialism and its nafxanyaa system.
In its attempt to destroy or diminish the Oromo national movement and its organizational infrastructures, Abiy and his government have developed and used four main political and ideological schemes.
- Using the carrot and stick strategy, the Abiy government has corrupted and incorporated some Oromo political activists/politicians, who were members of the now defunct Oromo Democratic Front, as well as some of the leaders of the so-called OLF-United, using them in the struggle against Oromo independent political and civic organizations and Oromo society.
- Claiming the rise of Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) as a pretext, it has mobilized politically naive and/or Oromo opportunists and subservient organizations to ideologically attack the OLF and the OLA, justifying the establishment of a brutal military rule under command posts in many regions of Oromia.
- While cementing his political relationship with his nafxanyaa brethren, Abiy has defamed and devalued Oromo nationalism by falsely claiming it has reduced the significance of the Oromo nation to a local phenomenon.
- Creating animosity and hatred for Oromo nationalists, Abiy’s government used the assassination of Hacaalu Hundessa (for which it is either directly or indirectly responsible) to amass Oromo political leaders, nationalists, and activists and jam them in overcrowded and filthy jails, which are infested with Covid-19 and other dangerous diseases. Following the killing of Hacaalu Hundessa on June 29, 2020, the government massacred hundreds of people and incarcerated more than 9,000 Oromos, charging them with terrorism.
- Abiy and his nafxanyaa comrades are campaigning hard to misinform the world community by portraying Oromo nationalists as extremists and terrorists. The fact on the ground, however, is that the Oromo people have never resorted to terrorism or extremism in their bitter struggle to liberate themselves from the yoke of barbaric subjugation and economic marginalization.
Preemptive political crimes have been concocted and implemented to enable the PP to win the upcoming elections and keep Abiy in power. Above all, Abiy’s security infrastructure has detained most of the known OLF leadership to make it a marionette of PP or to simply destroy it. When these efforts failed, the government sponsored the creation of what is now called the Hilton group, a renegade group corrupted from the ranks of the OLF that takes its orders from Abiy’s government. The fact that the Abiy government is now calling for a general election is clear evidence that COVID-19 was not the reason for postponing the May 2020 election. If that was the reason, the government does not reverse the decision now when COVID-19 is more prevalent. The true intention for illegally and unconstitutionally postponing the election was to weaken formidable political opponents so that Abiy and his party can declare victory by running against themselves, as they did in the 2015 sham election.
The declaration by agents of the government of Ethiopia and the neo-nafxanyaa media outlets that the chairman of the OLF was replaced by his deputy chairman was intended to spread confusion and to demoralize the Oromo people and promote the renegade group. Overall, the assassination of Hacaalu and the attack on the Oromo people and their leaders have renewed the commitment of the people to intensify the Oromo national movement in Oromia and the diaspora. Ongoing rebellions, economic boycotts and shutting down of highways are clear examples. The Oromo diaspora has come out in en masse in support of the Oromo struggle in Oromia by engaging in series of demonstrations and by engaging in public diplomacy on behalf their people. The demand to release all political prisoners and to abolish command posts in Oromia with emphatic support for the Oromo Liberation Army have dominated Oromo medias and other media outlets.
Recommended actions
Our people, while aspiring for the liberation of their society and country under such dire conditions, must know that they need independent political organizations that lead their national movement through the rough roads ahead. Consequently, while engaging in different political activities, they must consider the following.
- Support the call for the formation of the Transitional Government of Oromia and contribute their fair share to its implementation;
- Become members or supporters of independent Oromo political organizations and provide human and financial resources to build the Oromo national organizational capacity;
- Join or support independent national civic institutions such as Oromia Global Forum;
- Centralize and coordinate the Qeerroo/Qarree movement with new strategies and tactics, armed with a robust network of firm and honest leadership that can resist corruption and infiltration by government security networks;
- Like any society in the world, the Oromo need their national defense army, which will protect them and their country from tyranny that have become too common these days. Therefore, every Oromo has a moral and national obligation to support the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) financially, ideologically, and intellectually.
- Support Oromo media outlets that focus on the Oromo national struggle to engage in knowledge dissemination and propaganda more actively. The enemies of the Oromo have been depicting the Oromo nation negatively and calling them foreigners in their own country. Currently, our external and internal enemies are painting members of Oromo society as extremists and terrorists, who hate non-Oromos and commit genocide on them. These nafxanyaa forces and their collaborators are well organized and financed, with powerful media outlets that attack the Oromo people day and night. In order to defend themselves from such attacks, the Oromo need to consolidate their media capacity, in order to equip our people with liberation knowledge by focusing on Oromo national culture, history, and national Oromummaa.
- Support our firm and historic initiatives to immediately start national dialogue among independent political groups or organizations, activists, scholars, religious institutions, etc., toward the creation of an independent Oromia democratic state to, once and for all, liberate Oromia from a stubborn adversary that is unwilling to live together with Oromos as equals by respecting Oromo national identity, lives, and culture.
- In summary, rather than waiting for Oromo political parties to mobilize and organize the Oromo people at home or in the diaspora, all freedom loving Oromos must voluntarily join or support our independent organizations and build their national leadership and organizational capacity. At the same time, Oromo nationalists and others must marshal their economic and intellectual resources to build OLA as the Oromo national defense force. It is a high time to stop appealing to and begging our morally corrupt external and internal enemies, and to take our national destiny in our hands. Once the independent Oromia democratic state is formed, the Oromo can freely decide on the process of forming a multinational confederation or federation within the context of a multinational democracy.
Respectfully,
Signatories,
- Adugna Birhanu (Ph.D)
- Alemayehu Biru (Ph.D)
- Amanuel Gobena (Ph.D)
- Asefa Jalata (Ph.D)
- Asfaw Beyene (Ph.D)
- Ayana Gobena (Ph.D)
- Bahiru Duguma (Ph.D)
- Baro Deressa (MD)
- Bedassa Tadesse (Ph.D)
- Begna Dugassa (Ph.D)
- Bekele Temesgen (Ph.D)
- Benti Getahun (Ph.D)
- Berhanu Kedida (MD)
- Bersisa Berri (Ph.D)
- Bichaka Fayissa (Ph.D)
- Daniel Ayana (Ph.D)
- Degefa Abdissa Ph.D)
- Dessalegn Negeri (Ph.D)
- Desta Yebassa (Ph.D)
- Gizachew Tesso (Ph.D)
- Guluma Gemeda (Ph.D)
- Haile Hirpa (Ph.D)
- Ibrahim Elemo (Ph.D)
- Iddoosaa Ejeta (Ph.D)
- Ismael Abdullahi (Ph.D)
- Jamal Ebrahim (MD)
- Jemal Hebano (PharmD)
- Jenberu Feyisa (Ph.D)
- Junaidi Ahmed (MD)
- Koste Abdissa (Ph.D)
- Mekbib Gebeyehu (Ph.D)
- Mekuria Bulcha (Ph.D)
- Moa Apagodu (Ph.D)
- Mohammed Hassan(Ph.D)
- Mosisa Aga (Ph.D)
- Namara Garbaba (Ph.D)
- Oli Bachie (Ph.D)
- Rundassa Eshete (Ph.D)
- Samuel Geleta (Ph.D)
- Solomon Geleta (Ph.D)
- Teferi Margo (Ph.D)
- Tekleab Shibru (Ph.D)
- Tesfaye Negeri (Ph.D)
- Tesfaye Tesso (Ph.D)
- Thomas Baisa (MD)
- Tolawak Beyene (MD)
- Workineh Torben (Ph.D)
- Worku Burayu (Ph.D)
- Hambisa Belina (Ph.D)
- Habtalem Kenea (Ph.D)
- Alemayehu Kumsa (Ph.D)
- Alem Hika (Ph.D)
- Galaana Balcha (MD)
- Henok Gabisa (Ph.D)
- Mohammed Tahiro (Ph.D)
- Jirenya Gudeta (M.Sc)
- Imiru Itana (M.Sc)
- Itana Habte (Ph.D)
- Tsegaye Ararsa (Ph.D)
- Beyan Asoba (Ph.D)
- Mesfin Abdi (Ph.D)
- Gobena Huluka (Ph.D)
- Benti Ujulu (Ph.D)
- Kano Banjaa (Ph.D)
- Zelalem Abera (M.Sc)
- Teshome Dime (M.Sc)
- Abdisa Koricho (Ph.D)
- Geremew Nigatu (Ph.D)
- Ayele Teressa (Ph.D)
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Declaration by the Qeerroo National Youth Movement and Citizens of Oromia
(A4O, 5 October 2020) Supporting the idea of Establishment of the Transitional Government led by OLF is not only necessary, rather, is found Crucial.
Following the Political Violence the Ethiopian Empire has sustained, the country lacks sustainable peace and stability. Specially, Oromia became war zone of the ruling government, and the people has risked many lives and destructed lots of properties.
Including high ranking officers and members of the opposition political parties, many more nationalists were detained and being tortured in various detention centers. In general, to elongate its political power, the terrorist group running the government post, has grossly violated human rights and putting the people under pressure.
In order to rescue the country from further crisis, especially, to transform Oromia from the Unitary System to that of Democratic System, making Oromia clear from violence zone and setting peace should be the primary duty of every one of us. OLF, in its statement of September 13, 2020, has taken political responsibility to enable Oromia get sustainable peace and security, and thereby ensure establishment of the Transitional Government of Oromia; and OFC also has accepted the same.
On its statement of September 28, 2020, OFC has also supported importance of the Transitional Government. Therefore, in order to ensure the establishment of the Transitional Government of Oromia which is declared by the Oromo Political Parties; Committee made up of Qeerroo National Youth Movement and Oromia Citizens determined to held demonstration showing support for establishment of a Transitional Government.
The Committee, in its message sent to its members in and outside country, it has stated: “For the achievement of a Transitional Government, all of the Wider Oromo Population, Citizens of Oromia in the country, neighboring and foreign countries, Oromo Activists, Oromo Medias as well Human Rights Activists, should be ready to carry out your responsibilities”.
Subsequently, when demonstration for support of the Transitional Government of Oromia is declared, besides our support for the same intent; Organizing Committee strictly advised every one to refrain from touching the residential area and property of others in words or action; framing other citizens and diplomats, as well as, clashing with security officers on national and country obligations like Oromia Police, and other Oromia Security Forces.
In general, without leaving Oromia Struggle Camp, supporting the principles declared by the Oromo Liberation Struggle Camp Officers, are asked to show only their support for the establishment of the Transitional Government of Oromia. The intended demonstration shall be fully peaceful. By this peaceful demonstration, which shall be made for the establishment of the Transitional Government, the Committee has highlighted that it will also concentrate on releasing the Political prisoners detained without a crime.
Finally, message is transferred by the Committee of the Transitional Government of Oromia, to the Oromia Citizens and various Community groups of the people of the country in the level of the Federal Region explained that: “Those who take measure on residential areas and properties of others in the name of the establishment of the Transitional Government, will not represent the Committee, and we shall also condemn those acts!”
Oromia First!
Victory for the Citizens of Oromia!
Advocacy for Oromia 