(OLF – November 15, 2019)
Dear Oromo people,
Dear Nations, Nationalities and all peoples of Ethiopia,
Dear friends of the Oromo people’s struggle and all peace-loving members of the international community,
And above all, the revered members and supporters of the Oromo Liberation Front,
Congratulations!
Rejoicing the milestone at this juncture, we, hereby, announce that the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) is certified as a legal political Party in the country by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) on this 15th day of November 2019.
The OLF, founded 46 years ago to date, has remained the forefront organization in leading the Oromo people’s struggle for freedom and justice that exhibited major victories in the course of its tenure. The organization also played key roles in fostering fundamental changes in Ethiopia’s political discourse as a transformational political actor during those years. As a testament to this assertion, OLF has immensely contributed to the 1991/92 transitional charter that laid the foundations of Ethiopia’s multi-national federalism, a political arrangement that suits a multi-ethnic polity like that of Ethiopia which is also in place today.
None the less, OLF’s aspiration to move forward in transforming the country as enshrined in the transitional charter was marred by the inherently greedy, suppressive and hegemonic political establishment that was an anti-thesis to the values and the demands of the Oromo people. It was in light of such hostile political atmosphere that the Oromo Liberation Front was not only forced out of the political process but also, unjustly, labeled and declared as anti-peace and the enemy of the state. In essence, the sources of the political, economic and social nightmares that Ethiopia had to endure for so long emanated from the unjust act of alienating the OLF and others from the peaceful political process taken by the ruling party at the time. The subsequent years of instability and uncertainty had to do with the failed policies pursued by the totalitarian regime.
The unfortunate state of affairs described above had been reversed though not full-fledged or to a complete satisfaction, after decades of bitter struggle and sacrifices that did cost peoples of Ethiopia dearly. Yet, the gains reaped from the sacrifices of our peoples, however big or small they might be, sparked a new optimism for eyeing on a light at the end of the tunnel. It is with this glimpse of hope that the OLF reaffirms its commitment to relentlessly contribute to the national effort in resolving the country’s outstanding socio-political, economic and cultural issues that hitherto remained sources of bloody conflicts.
We would also like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) and commend its promising effort & integrity in transforming this country.
In conclusion, the OLF calls up on all stakeholders and progressive forces to work with in solidarity for the fulfillment of our peoples’ aspiration for freedom, democracy & equality. Additionally, it is OLF’s unwavering promise to work with all concerned entities to bring about a sustainable economic development for all, lasting peace to the country in particular and to the entire region in general. Concurrent to our call for solidarity and cooperation, we would like to reiterate that the flag and emblem shown below are the official flag and emblem of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) that our members and supporters are legally allowed to use for the official duties of the organization within the bounds of the law of the land. Any entity, individual or group, who uses the OLF flag or emblem or both for the purposes of defaming the OLF, the Oromo people or attempts to incite violence among the peoples must be held accountable and should be reported to the State authorities whenever and wherever noticed.
Victory to the Mass !
Oromo Liberation Front
November 15, 2019
Advocacy for Oromia 