The entire executive committee of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) has been relieved of its duties and replaced with a provisional executive council today.
Majority of the OLF national council members has passed a vote of “No Confidence” on the executive committee in order take the organization out of the current paralysis and stagnation due to an irreconcilable disagreement inside the executive committee.
The main source of the disagreement revolved around the vision and performance of the organization. The new OLF leadership is said to be committed to advancing the interest of Oromos, as well as all Ethiopians.
The new leadership will focus on intensifying the armed struggle against the Meles regime and playing a key role in unifying and democratizing Ethiopia in collaboration with other opposition forces, according to Ethiopian Review sources.
Leaders of Ginbot 7 Movement and other forces have been briefed of this development by the new OLF leadership.
There had been an ongoing and heated internal debate inside the OLF leadership for quite a while over strategy and the overall political platform of the organization, leading to today’s revolutionary change.
Key leaders of the change that is taking place inside OLF include Dima Nego, founding member and first chairman; General Kemal Gelchu, chairman of the OLF forces high command; Ahmed Hussein, founding member and former Minister of Foreign Trade; Lencho Letta, former deputy secretary general of OLF; General Hailu Gonfa, head of the OLF army’s training and deployment; Lencho Bati, former OLF spokesperson; Hassan Hussein, head of foreign relations; and Ibrahim Mume, coordinator of OLF supporters and members in the Diaspora.
Despite its military and political strength, OLF had been unable to wage a consistent and forceful campaign against the regime of Tigrean People Liberation Front (Woyanne). Oromos are currently one of the most persecuted peoples in Ethiopia. The overwhelming majority of prisons in Ethiopia are filled by Oromos who are suspected of supporting OLF. Most Ethiopian refugees in Kenya, Sudan, Uganda, Somalia, Yemen and other countries are Oromos. And yet, OLF has been unable to protect Oromos from all these atrocities even though it has a professional army, and an experienced political leadership.
The new OLF leadership strives to change that and work to end the Woyanne brutal regime in collaboration with all opposition forces, according to ER sources close to the OLF.
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FORUM | 62 Comments
It is about time!
[Reply]
July 30th, 2008 at 8:44 PM
Unity is the most trouncing weapon that the Meless regime cannot resist any more. So far Woyane was able to sustain its reign of terror not because TPLF is strong but because we are weak and divided.
The leaders and supporters of CUD were encountered with despicable atrocities and harassment because they came united and UNITY was their language of communication. Even today the nonsensical rigmarole of getting registration certificate for UDJ has its origins to the founders’ adherence to national unity and tolerance. When we stand together Woyanes fall apart…..
This is good news….
[Reply]
July 30th, 2008 at 8:59 PM
Amen to that!
[Reply]
July 30th, 2008 at 9:13 PM
I think I’ve heard agreat things.Now it seems like time is coming for us if we stand for common purpose.Our people, we don’t forget any time ,we have one enemy that is weyane.Once we over come this, I know no one can’t stand before us.So let’s go to fight our common enemy and to give peace,freedom ,true democracy to our people.
[Reply]
July 30th, 2008 at 9:14 PM
eleelelelelelelelel
That it is wonderful news.
[Reply]
July 30th, 2008 at 9:19 PM
good job,go for wards to form an independent democratic institutions putting as a common goal for all Ethiopians and
for united Ethiopia ,we need that all political organization
come and seat to find a common ground and trust each other to end the country’s problems.we know weyane strengths
lies on the weakness of the oppositions.
[Reply]
July 30th, 2008 at 9:23 PM
Woyanne’s doom is inching closer and closer by the day, the EPPF has hit the hapless Woyanne military in the northwest many times in the past week and killed, wounded and captured more than 700 soldiers, killed the Woyanne administrator in the Arafa region named Bechalen, lately the EPPF has been very active and chasing the Woyanne army all over the northeast and more is yet to come. Add to that today the UN security council dissolved the UNMEE and Woyanne is completely exposed to the north, they are scared any day the Eritrean army will come down on them, that will tie up the bulk of the Woyanne army along the border with Eritrea, while that is happening the EPPF, TPDM, the Debub Hizboch front and ONLF will kick Woyanne’s behind mercilessly.
Above all this article is the best news any Ethiopian could hope for, now that the OLF is under a leadership that is going to act the Woyanne regime’s days are trully numbered, when the OLF gets engaged militarily Woyanne have no choice but to retreat to Tigray, there they will be sitting ducks exposed for attack from all fronts, retreating to Tigray will not give them any peace, all the opposition groups in a united front will come after Woyanne to finish them off for good, I am sure at that time Melles and his cohorts will take all the money they stole from the people of Ethiopia and run away but it is not going to be that easy, they don’t know it but they are surrounded and there will be now way out.
[Reply]
July 30th, 2008 at 9:25 PM
Let us do not waste our time and make longer the suffer of our people, let us unite and make a differnce, try to open our eyes by seeing how unity is the only source for sucess in politics and as the same time economically.
[Reply]
July 30th, 2008 at 9:27 PM
Eleleleleleleleleleleleelelle!
[Reply]
July 30th, 2008 at 9:40 PM
It’s indeed amenable. Bravo to the new leadership!!!!
go, go, go and keep going!
[Reply]
July 30th, 2008 at 9:46 PM
May the lord help us to emancipate our blessed mather land
from the dragon and uncontroled beasts of this 21 first century,meles zenawi of tigray.
[Reply]
July 30th, 2008 at 10:23 PM
Bravo OLF. You can liberate the entire Ethiopians as long as you accommodate a coordinating strugle of all the opposition groups for the common goal of all ethiopians. And you will succeed.
Unity is power!
[Reply]
July 30th, 2008 at 10:32 PM
Amazingly, the Weyane Tigrai was able to galvanize , well, let’s say the majority of the Ethiopian masses using a skillfully orchestraded of Eritrean invasion. Sadly many Ethiopians fell to that dangerous trap and some still do! The way deal to our enemy, the Weyane, is to creat UNITED FRONT with anyone who is willing to contribute to the demise of Weyane including the devil himself. Let’s stop bickering on nonsense and be serious enough and help our fighting forces and let me take this opportunity to thank our Eritrean cousins for helping us in spite of their limited resources. Go OLF, ONLF, EPPF, TPDM, BENSHANGUL % DEBUB HIZBOTCH for united and democratic Ethiopia. Yes, it will happen! It is already happening folks. No more misery and destruction in our region.
[Reply]
July 30th, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Indeed this is a great newa,
Best whishes for success in creating a united and free democratic Ethiopia.
[Reply]
July 30th, 2008 at 10:52 PM
This is encouraging news though wayyy too late. Then again, unless the new leadership listens to the needs and aspiration of the oromo people, instead of forcing to accept their imaginary ideology, the party will remain as doomed as it was 34 years ago. The oromo people need justice, equality, freedom, and democracy like all the other Ethiopians who are suffering under the brutal regime of Melese Seytanawi. The new leadership ought to work with other Ethiopian democratic and unity parties to get ride of the common enemy-woyane. Further, the new OLF leadership has to reject and apologize for the horrific and barbaric acts of some of its members in early 1990’s.
[Reply]
July 30th, 2008 at 10:58 PM
It is a good news only if the new leadership puts the unity of Ethiopia first and that has to start with a change in their name and aslo in their goal. I am againist the oppression of the Oromos an dothers by Weyanie. However, I hate ‘liberation fronts’, including the one that claims to be fighting for the liberation of my father’s tribe. G7 must not cooperate with any so called ‘liberation fronts’. The OLF is undergoing a major change, but more nis excpected from the new leadership to convince the majority of Ethiopians that they believe in a unified and ONE ETHIOPIA!!!
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 12:17 AM
True Oromos come to end problems of Oromos and all Ethiopians.
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 12:51 AM
big news
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 12:59 AM
This is good move to end the suffer of all the ppl of the horne. Meles the slave of US should be dismantled to save the entire ppl of the region. OLF, now is the time to wake up and smell the coffe of Oromia.
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 1:13 AM
wow good news yes yes unity is very important.
one ethiopia,one people ,one nation,one flag,weyanwech medmessachwe, this is the time,olf plz bertu go go
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 1:23 AM
God bless you all of you the one you did this. now we can put weyanie in grave.
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 1:35 AM
Oromos are far more different among themselves than oromos as a whole are said to be diffrent from the rest of Ethiopians. What is tragic in its movement is that olf leaders made the oromo public exposed to the attack by Meles regime. I hope god is gonna get a leader that will unite people to make a unified Ethiopian nation.
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 2:48 AM
Bring the evil Meles to his knees through a united struggle.
Let us all join hands to foster unity, democracy and prosperity.
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 5:17 AM
Congratulation to the NEW executive.
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 5:42 AM
Good development,
Hopefully the new leadership of OLF will come out of ethnic enclave and think about the country Ethiopia.
We, Ethiopians, understand the suffering of the Oromo peoples. But we all are suffering too.That is why we always call for united struggle. As G7 put in its political programme we need to agree on the existance soverign Ethiopia and the people of Ethiopia is the source of power by means of election.
It is time for G7 to communicate with armed and non armed groups and political parties such as OLF, EPPF, ONLF, EPRP and others and agree on common agenda.
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 5:53 AM
“A rolling stone gathers no moss.” – Dictionary of cultural literacy
” standing ponds attract mosquitos.” – Prophet Didaadoo
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 6:43 AM
Elias
Once again Thank you for keeping us abreast with the situation in the growing pains within OLF leadership. Most importantly I like to applaud your effort in recognizing the importance of the Oromo issue and the legitimate role of the OLF in the future of post Woyane Ethiopia. You indeed brought to the forefront the Oromo issue while other Woyane proxy websites, Ethiomedia in particular, made a deliberate effort not to mention Oromo issues or OLF hoping it will go away.
As an Oromo Ethiopian, I have seen first hand the pain and misery perpetrated by Woyane against the Oromo people. The cahnage in the leadership of the OLF underscores the awakening of the Oromo un the face of the hundreds of thousands of Oromos killed, jailed and displaced during the last 18 years of Woyane tenure.
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 8:36 AM
What a wonderful news!
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 8:46 AM
I have prayed that this day will come one day – finally a glimmer of hope is appearing if the report is true. The archaic, utterly incompetent and pathologically parochial group would have been dealt by other means if true revolutionaries exist in OLF. Dawud and his headless group have done more damage to Oromo than TPLF. Thanks God he is removed! Thousands of capable intellectuals who left OLF because of the Dawud faction might re-join now!
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 9:15 AM
This is the time we were (waiting)praying for it. Bravo OLF keep going,dont back up, there will be no barrier if we unite together and go this way.YES WE CAN. YES WE CAN
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 9:57 AM
Gooooooooooooooooooooooood news!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 10:06 AM
If the new leaders are ready to fight TPLF, that is good and they will enjoy support from the Oromo people and other nations and nationalities.But if they start negotiation with Meles that is crime and suicidal.
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 10:22 AM
As I wish the Unity of Ethiopia, I wish also the togetherness of all Oromo Organizations. The common denominator is the adherance to Ethiopianism. This would give rise to countering the atrocities committed by Woyane and its satelite factions of different ethnic group.
Hence the demise of Woyane will be speeded up.
It is unthinkable to see Great Ethiopia without the participation of Oromos. The history of the past depicts by itself.
This is one step forward to make a change within oneself.
It is a good occasion to assess the past struggle, its successes and weaknesses. The struggle was excluded from other Ethiopian democratic Forces.
The new OLF-executive will hopefully link its struggle with other fighters to liberate Ethiopia from One-ethnic-group-dictatorship.
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 10:23 AM
This millinium is becoming a millinium of shake up in political parties!
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 10:24 AM
What a wonderful news! A day has come when all of Ethiopian ethnicities stand together as a nation and say NO to the oppressive regime. We are very happy to hear the OLF stands not only for the Oromo people but for all Ethiopians. Get rid of the extremist and let the new generation thrive. Next the ONLF must change and stand with other opposition groups to fight injustice. Amlak agrachnene Yetbklne.
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 10:42 AM
The oldest liberation front that has nothing to show so far! OLF is doing disservice to ormoia people by not taking the armed struggle seriously. One of the most dire mistake of the outgoing leadership was its unwise measure trying to distance itself from Eritrean government and its lack of effective cadre schools to motivate fighters to fight for the cause. Instead, OLF leadership wasted so many years philosophizing and having endless meetings. OLF has to really look itself in the mirror and ask itself what have the front done so far? Why are much junior fronts i.e, ONLF, TPDM, EPPF and Gambella fronts militarily performing well and are becoming main threats to weyane vampires. Imagine 36 years and nothing to show? there is all grounds for OLF to wage effective propaganda and military war if its leaders put their acts together. I have faith in general gelchu. He is capable military leader. In fact, there are rumors the few of the outgoing leaders were deliberately hampering the armed struggle by severing relationship with eritrean government and that was very big mistake! Anyways… you could only learn from the past and move on.
OLF has historical responsibility for its people and wage an effective diplomatic, military and political struggle to dismantle the weyane vampires from oromia… they are pilaging the oromo wealth… it is time to work harder.
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 11:17 AM
It is great news for all Ethiopian. I wish it were sooner. We all are humiliated by the current situation.
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Thank you OLF. “CHANGE” we can believe in!
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 12:08 PM
wow wow wow good news good job olf
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 1:02 PM
This is good news to hear. However, we better wait and see the final. Am not pessimistic but this needs to be mature before we start to praise OLF. Any ways the beginning sounds good.
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 2:03 PM
It is so bad breaking news for criminal TPLF’s gangs and it is really good news for all ethiopians allover the world , even for all ethiopians who are have been sitting in weyane’s prison for more 17 years. We can free from Foreign agents like melese ,we can build and transform to the prosperious ethiopia to the next generation only when we do stand together as one . Our Unity based onour mutual respect will lead us to our victory against our common enemies.
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 2:19 PM
This news has been heard from Kremilin to the while house. The woyane gangsters are shitting in their pants. This joke is serious and much better than the jokes in the past that it may get an acadamy award.
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 2:57 PM
good news for us bad news for the enemy.
Weyane will purish in short time. United strugle for democracy in Ethiopia and freedom for the broad people of Ethiopia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 5:12 PM
It is a welcoming development.Thry should unify their struggle with all anti-Woyanne organizations.
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 8:49 PM
Elias, this message is for you:
Not that it is necessarily “Bad” news, but I think the story may be still developing or possibly premature. Check it out bro.
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 10:15 PM
This is a good news not for Oromos alone but for all of Ethiopia. Having said that, it is my sincere hope that the new leadership will reflect long and hard and consider a serious armed struggle and join the other armed groups to oust the TPLF regime.
OLF lived through the Dergue era, fought side by side with TPLF against the Dergue on the one hand and lately fought against TPLF as a regime on the other. Because of its long experience and the hardship it endured over the years, OLF should know better than many what actually works and should be able to tell a wishful desire from what it takes to unseat a brutally merciless ruler.
[Reply]
July 31st, 2008 at 11:58 PM
There will be a big fight in political arena between the new and the disgraced leaders. As a closest observer of the situation, I belive the new leaders are gaining ground among the Oromo People and I think among other Ethiopians. T
Sooner or later, the TPLF will start throwing his dirty and brutal jabs toward the oromos and other people.
[Reply]
August 1st, 2008 at 1:05 AM
ADDA BILISUMMAA OROMOO
OROMO LIBERATION FRONT
Lakk.: 021/stm/abo/2008
No.:
Statement of OLF Executive Committee
on
Unconstitutional Activities and Conspiracies Against the OLF
The Executive Committee (EC) of the OLF conducted an emergency meeting to deliberate on the current
internal anarchic and anti organizational activities and passed the following decision.
It has been observed that a clique has clandestinely been conducting destructive activities within the
organization for a while. This includes agitations targeting the legitimate leadership of the organization in
contradiction to the latest resolutions of the National Council that met last March, 2008. The effort of the
leadership to handle this matter wisely and patiently has been disregarded. Now that this clique has gone
public in its campaign against the organization by:
1. Conducting illegal public meetings in Nairobi, and Minnesota USA, to that effect;
2. Publicly declaring their split from the organization on electronic media and
3. Declaring, on public radio, that they have substituted the legally elected leadership of the
organization by their own men;
4. Stated that they have, unconstitutionally, revised the political program of the organization.
The EC, as the defense council of the organization, realizing:
a) that this situation poses danger to the safety and security of the organization,
b) the need to avert the looming confusion in the organization and
c) that the members, supporters and the Oromo people at large should be informed about the possible
danger facing the organization and prepare them for the necessary required actions and
d) the need to avert any possible damage to the organization and defend the constitution, rules and
regulations of the organization
has taken the following administrative decision.
The following core leaders of the clique:
1. Hassan Hussein
2. Leeco Baatii
3. Kamal Galchu
4. Abbaa-Nagaa Jaarraa
are excluded from any responsibility or activity of the organization, as of today July 31, 2008, for their
activities against the liberation struggle lead by the OLF, violating the constitution of the organization and
declaring division within the organization. These individuals can not represent the organization in any
capacity nor speak on its behalf. The EC will subsequently take any necessary measure to avert possible
action directed against the activities of the organization by any means.
Victory to the Oromo People.
OLF EC
July 31,2003
جبهة تحرير أ ورومو
رقم تاريخ
P. O. Box 6973 Asmara, Eritrea | Telefax 291 1 150548 | http://www.oromoliberationfront.org
[Reply]
August 1st, 2008 at 1:13 AM
So which side is controlling the OLF website? The same people listed here as leaders of change are the ones banned on the OLF website. Or is the name list here of the ones that are being overturned?
[Reply]
August 1st, 2008 at 1:48 AM
It is a sort of amuzing to read all these excitements and encouragiements as if you all know everything about the new leadeship.
I’m also more fascinated by this statement, ” Leaders of Ginbot 7 Movement and other forces have been briefed of this development by the new OLF leadership.”
Save your emotions for the day of real enlightement folks.
[Reply]
August 1st, 2008 at 1:54 AM
I feel it is a smart move!It is incredibly wise to have a united stand against the common enemy-tplf.
The regime is there,it is not because they are strong it is because we are divided and weak.
[Reply]
August 1st, 2008 at 5:13 AM
i raise my hat off .this a brilliant development and must be encouraged .there cannot be victory in the absence of unity among its people .we have to renounce hatred,separation and give a chance for a united struggle under ethiopiawinet .this more powerful than a neuclar war head and a potent force to cleanse ethnicity.
[Reply]
August 1st, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Elias
Have you visited the OLF website?
It said they have kicked out all the names posted above from the Oromo Liberation Front.
Those names above that you have posted are not new OLF leaders, they are starting a new Oromo liberation Front group. The OLF officials and leaders have officially kicked them out of the OLF.
Check it out on the website
http://www.oromoliberationfront.com
[Reply]
August 1st, 2008 at 12:11 PM
May God be with You! I can say nothing than wishing you help of God for you,new leaders.
[Reply]
August 1st, 2008 at 2:16 PM
Elias;
Right after reading your article on the shakeup in the OLF leadership, I tried to confirm the story from the horse mouth. Your story was different from the message enshrined in the “Statement of OLF Executive Committee”, dated 31/07/08, available on (http://www.oromoliberationfront.org/).
Would you comment on this?
Sincerely,
Kulfo
[Reply]
August 1st, 2008 at 2:59 PM
Dear All,
Please let us fight for all of us together. Let us fight for Ethiopia. Let us listen Obamas speech. He said, no wall should be between tribes, nations, religions, and colours. I say , this is the time to be as one and fight our enemy poverty, hunger, disease, backwardness and ignorance. Let us build our beutiful country together and make heaven for all of us.
The wrong agendas we have had was formulated by foreign enemies of Ethiopia. This was the way to weaken our unity and country. They have achieved what they wished. But let us say this is enough. Let us stop working for our enemies(foreign countries). We thought the agenda was good. But it wasn’t. It was good only for those who wanted our failer.
Thanks God. It is a time to see our mistakes and do something right.
Long live all the people of Ethiopia,
Long live Ethiopia,
Let God make us united as ever,
Let God bless us and our country.
[Reply]
August 1st, 2008 at 6:28 PM
The new leadership of OLF is way better than any thing if its brain is not frozen like old leadership. if the new leadership want be accepted by Oromo people,
1. It has to be more creative
2. it has to listen to the opinions of its members and Oromo people at large.
3. Its goal must be known to Oromo people and it has to clean itself from blinded goal.
4. It has to work hard not wasting time like old leadership.
5. It has to include more young generation and pass responsibility to them not going down to the grave with the leadership.
For now all mass medias of OLF still under old leadership and still it can say I am alive. The new leadership has to dismantle it as quickly as possible. if not it has to start its mass media as soon as possible.
[Reply]
August 1st, 2008 at 10:08 PM
The development declared on this page July 30, 2008 demonstrated the POLITICAL AND SOCIAL GROWTH OLF ACHEIVED OVER THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS.
I honestly beleived the removal of the old leadership is conducted “DEMOCRATICALLY”, because at this time several OROMO PUBLIC MEETINGS ARE BEING CONDUCTED IN MINESOTHA, and I felt majority of OLF MEMBERS conducted the leadership transition to the mor progressive group. but the truth comes from the tail, which is quite disgusting.
If the power struggle is between the “OPPRESSED” how is the victory coming over the “ETHNIC DICTATORSHIP”?
THE NEWS I READ THAT READS “executive committee of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) has been relieved of its duties and replaced with a provisional executive council today.” SOUNDS DEMOCRATIC, BUT IT IS KIND OF POWER STRUGGLE.
UNLESS ETHIOPIAN OPPOSITION PARTIES INCLUDING OLF COME TOGETHER THERE WILL NEVER BE SOLUTION IN ETHIOPIA. THE SUFFERING IN ETHIOPIA PROPRTIONALLY RESTS ON THE MAJOR ETHNIC GROUP, “NINE OUT OF TEN PRISONERS ARE OROMOS”.
WOULD YOU PLEASE GROW TO COUNTRY LEVEL? YOU ARE THE MAJORITY, WHY DO THINK LIKE A MINORITY? THE OLD EXCUTIVE COMMITTEE OF OLF MUST RECONSILE WITH THE NEW ONE. OTHERWISE YOU ARE NOT SOLVING THE PROBLEM IN OROMIA, BECAUSE YOU ARE FIGHTING FOR YOUR POWER AND NAME.
OROMO OF ONE ORIGINE HOW ONEARTH FAILS EACH OTHER? WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF THE CONTRADICTION?
VICTORY IS FARAWAY, AND YOU FIGHT FOR POWER BEING INFOREIGN COUNTRIES? THIS IS SHAME ON FREEDOM FIGHTERS? PLEASE SOLVE YOUR DISAGREEMENT AND PROCEED.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL
[Reply]
August 2nd, 2008 at 3:04 AM
Yes, this is a serious and important development in Ethiopian politics.
OLF as the only organization that regularly changes leadership should make the shift peacefully so that the benefits would be to a maximum effect.
However, we should also realize that there are others in the OLF leadership that maybe as reformists as the new leadership. We need them all. Those who may not agree with the centrists agenda should be treated fairly given that is what democratic pluralism presupposes. However, they cannot continue to dictate a dogma that the majority of Oromos have never consented to. From the founding of the Macha and Tulama Civic Association up to the present time , Oromos’ quest has been for equity within the democratic Ethiopian polity.
Many have pushed the OLF to reflect on this humane struggle and to shift to the center of Ethiopian politics. There have been positive changes under Daud Ibssa’s wise/astute leadership. But, the changes have not caught up with the shifting political dynamism. Hence, the emergence of the new scaled up steps that the new group aspire to.
Ethiopian democrats will need to support a positive development while encouraging for a peaceful settlement of disagreements to avoid the mistakes of other experiments(UEDF, KINIJIT, EPRP).
Please do bear in mind that, of all the changes, OLF’s has the potential to make or break our identity as Ethiopians and as a nation.
Therefore, we have to play a twin-track approach-encouraging the new leadership while pushing for a peaceful settlement of internal party disputes within the OLF as our main goal at this crucial and promising moment in our nation’s history/phase of challenges!
I appeal to elders and all those whose influences would be needed.
Regards
Biri
—– Original Message —-
From: Biri Yaya
To: Ethiopians-Forum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, August 2, 2008 9:22:55 AM
Subject: Re: [Ethiopians-Forum] Re: BREAKING NEWS-OLF REFORMISTS HAVE GOOD NEWS FOR ETHIOPIA!
Early indication of a shift in thinking(Picture: Hassan Hussein, Foreign Relations head of OLF. His amharic speech some time ago ):
OLF shake-up: radical change in Ethiopian politics?
hassen_hussien hspace=4 src=”http://media-emf.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/hassen_hussien.gif” align=right vspace=4 border=0>EMF – The national council members of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) have passed yesterday a resolution to change the entire executive committee, and replacing them by a new, radical and visionary leadership, sources said. OLF’s general assembly meeting was concluded yesterday with a decision by abandoning the old leadership which, in the last 40 years, couldn’t move an inch with its unworkable, unproductive and divisive policies. [Picture: Hassan Hussein, Foreign Relations head of OLF. His amharic speech some time ago gives background of what the group think.] More »
45 Comments | አስተያየት በአማርኛ ይፃፉ »
—– Original Message —-
From: Biri Yaya
To: Ethiopians-Forum@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Saturday, August 2, 2008 9:13:30 AM
Subject: [Ethiopians- Forum] Re: BREAKING NEWS-OLF REFORMISTS HAVE GOOD NEWS FOR ETHIOPIA!
Kemal Gelchu” src=”http://www.ethiomedia.com/adlot/kemal_gelchu.jpg” width=126 border=0>
Former army general Kemal Gelchu is one of the reformists
Breaking News
OLF reformists have good news for Ethiopia: A goodbye to secessionism!
Ethiomedia | August 2 , 2008
WASHINGTON – A wind of change is sweeping across the board of the OLF leadership. And support for the new OLF leadership may come not only from Oromia but also the rest of Ethiopia.
OLF has counted decades since formation but has done little to bring about change. The major stumbling block has been the group’s dreadful objective: secessionism. “Now that is about to change for ever,” says an OLF insider, who told Ethiomedia on Friday that the former OLF executive committee has been relieved of its responsibilities through OLF meetings in various places around the world. Full Text
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[Reply]
August 2nd, 2008 at 4:57 AM
In OLF leadership and strategy could be changed easily. We can learn from the history of the Organization that it has a good track record of democratic governance than any other political organization in Ethiopia. But come to the vision of the Organization, it is what defines OLF. And this vision is well understood and accepted by at least 99% of the Oromos. The people have spent a lot to maintain the organization. This is the real success of OLF. So, split in OLF is not possible as in EPRP and ‘Kinijit’.
So, I don’t think that respected OLF founders and leaders (who at one time were in full control of the Organization) will miss this fact and try to create another ‘OPDO’ in protest against the current elected leadership, as if they have not instituted a working system that can make leadership change possible.
Rather they might have been infiltrated by ‘Woyane’/OPDO, the snake, through the defectors. This scenario is not unlikely. Any way the strength of OLF are the Oromo people, so whatever happens among the leadership, OLF remains OLF, but more efficient and effective.
[Reply]
August 2nd, 2008 at 5:58 AM
The thing which we Ethiopians consider a crime and forced us to create the numerous liberation fronts is b/c we are not colonized. That our heroic forefathers were able in unison to defeat back European, Arab and Ottoman colonizers appears to be percieved as a crime against humanity.
There is no liberation front of the Somali’s in Djibouti, there is no an ogaden national liberation front in Kenya eventhough the same ogadenis live in a Kenya province of comparable size to Ethiopiopia’s Ogaden state. There is no OLF fighting the Kenyan state eventhough the Oromos make the biggest province in Kenya, similar to Ethiopia! The same with Gambela. The gambela’s live on both sides but there is only a gambella liberation front fighting for “self-determination” in Ethiopia.
These liberation fronts should redress themselves. They should understand that there can only be one Ethiopia for all Ethiopians. In todays Ethiopia, one cannnot create an Oromia nation or an Ogaden country without destroying the very oromos or the ogadenis. Belive it or not, we can only live together: segregation entails destruction. The liberation fronts need to understand this: they should join hands with all Ethiopians and should stand for the causes of all Ethiopians. Only then their struggle will be meaningful and may bear fruit. That is the reality of the current world.
ETHIOPIACHIN TIKDEM!!!!
[Reply]
August 2nd, 2008 at 11:36 PM
The Greeks had told us long time ago; do not do anything that you will regret later. Let me say it clear and loud those people who are held responsible for malfunction of the organization just arrived less than two years ago. What a hell people are telling us to believe them. I do not know much but the little thing I know; the two generals are very famous and they had already garnered great support and additional authencity for the OLF. The consequence of pushing them out will be tragically devastating for the Oromo national movement be it peacefully or forcefully perusing the liberation of Oromia. Those professional soldiers are irreplaceable for growth and expansion of the national army. I do not get it; my beloved Oromia. I could for sure say that you are multiplying new enemies and discouraging other generals from defecting to the people side; to the Oromo side. Basically to the people who are preparing to defect; you are telling them do not come. Do you get it; that is the clear message we are getting from your press release before yesterday. What a blind decision to make politically, organizationally and propaganda wise. I think there are some people behind the move to discredit the OLF itself. Sometimes the wise pushes itself and crosses to the other side of stupidity. It is a total failure; untimely and immature decision. May I ask if the organization is trying to work with other none Oromo organizations why it does not work out its differences with its innocent and loyal followers? I for sure know that those people had lost everything they had and left their families and prestige to scarify for Oromia. I see a flash back of early eighties where our famous leaders were killed by internal and external enemies of Oromia. It cost us our freedom and many lives were scarified because of that unnecessary sacrifices by great men of our nation thirty years ago. Sometimes the enemy uses the “swards” of its own enemy to kill its most threatening individuals. Be care ful; be careful; be careful; you have not gauged how many people are sympathizing the accused in Oromia. The organization may lose so many followers as the result of its decision. Leading and fighting the enemy is not as easy as conspiring to defame fellow fighters and comrades. Be ware to shoulder the consequences and all sorts of repercussions. Those people are military giants and world famous besides they are knowledgeable in the arts of military science. They fought and accumulated many experiences and they are ready to kick butt; they are great Oromo fighters and not running around coffee shops asking for cigarette butts and a cup of coffee every morning in Minnesota. The daring actions of those men and women had earned us front pages in world mass media. Who had done that at price of their lives except those generals and their followers. I know one thing in Oromo national movements when it comes to sharing power and fame the egos of some older leaders take over and mitigate the true maturity of our national movement. Just remember what had happened between Gutama and Lataa in 1991. Take the case that took place between OSA members. The feuds are still continuing but they were unnecessary and are hurting us. Somebody signed off our freedom to come out of a prison cell. OLF should take care of those black sheep who donned our national flag and working for the enemy or against the strategic goals of the movement for a very long time. This one is a continuation. I refuse to accept it. It is immoral; it’s unethical and politically incompetent. It only toughens and fortifies the enemy and divides us to smash the back of our insurgency. What worries me the most is that the regional , religious and ideological division that had crippled our movement will be for sure squarely worsen. That is a national jeopardy and a shortcoming to the movement. It is an ugly situation when the organization commit its mistakes shamelessly, repeatedly and without any respect to our national devotees and followers. Retreat from your decision and retreat is a great course of action sometimes. Our people are not old dogs which could be thrown out after years of genuine services; you will regret your words and actions. Internal peace is better than woofing aphorism by any means .Avoid blood shed you will regret very much in the future.
Create organizational harmonies and national cohesiveness rather than disruption and abandonment. Do not head to distractions and breakups. Oromo leaders, intellectuals, students, soldiers and women and men unite in actions and thoughts and we will be better in unity than in
hemorrhagic factionalism. Stop bleeding and Oromia is going to bleed because of your actions.
Sabataa Dubbii
[Reply]
August 20th, 2008 at 2:47 PM