Oromo Liberation Front - Rebuttal To Criticism of OLF

Rebuttal To Criticism of OLF

Ethiopian Abyssinians have termed Oromo self-awareness as counter to the Empire state. As a result, Oromo people and organizations that opposed were targeted as anti unity and subject to torture and death. Ethiopian unity is only in the context of Abyssinians as Southern nations are termed as subjects within Ethiopia's Feudal System. It was documented in Beyond The Headlines Refugees in The Horn of Africa US Committee for Refugees January 1988 publication that the Amhara King Menlek II formed Ethiopian empire after 1888 declaring all land Emperors land. The article expands on Amhara landlords allocated “gult rights” over people like southern nations (including Oromo). They perceived Amhara culture, language and religion as superior to Oromo. Soon after, began a campaign to eliminate Oromo from the map. It was only after 1991 that Oromo language was allowed in public. Previous Ethiopian regimes banned Oromo language and targeted people for speaking Afan Oromo.

The Somalia role is complex as on one hand you have Ogaden fighting for independence like Oromo. On the other hand, you have a radicalized opposition to horn of Africa. In the middle of these groups were former dictator Saide Barre, who were Marxist by ideology but opportunists by nature. Saide Barre's objectives were to dominate the Horn of Africa. In his quest, Saide Barre captured former OLF commanders Barisoo Wabee (Magarsaa Barii), Gadaa Gammadaa (Damisee Tacaanee), Abbaa Xiiqii (Abboomaa Mitikku), Dori Bari (Yigazu Banti), Falmataa /Umar/Caccabsaa, Faafam Dooyyoo, Irra’anaa Qacalee (Obbo Dhinsaa), Dhadacha Boroo, JDaddacha Muldhataa, and Marii Galaa Since Saide Barre and his followers had a deep hatred towards Oromo, he asked the captured which one of you are Christian and which are Muslim. The Muslim Oromo refused to differentiate themselves from fellow Oromo (OLF is Secular), as a result all were executed and thrown in a mass grave April 15, 1980. From that day forward, Oromo commemorate the loss of our heroes as Guyyaa Gotota Oromo.

Ethiopian ideologist despise OLF since it has this strong connection with Oromo people. Most often, TPLF spends tens of millions of money to lobby foreign countries to put OLF on Terrorist list. Numerous countries have refused to list OLF on the Terrorist Tier I listing due to the right of Oromo to fight for freedom. Their campaign includes dispersing mis-information about OLF commenting massacres. Those listed as references are mostly broken url links along with uncorroborated evidence from individuals bloggers such as Abdi Omar. Many of the massacres listed are in fact TPLF actions to maximize conflict between oppressed nations.

Anti Oromo campaign reaches beyond Ethiopian boundaries by Amhara and Tigray alike. The following links demonstrate campaign of refoulement by allies of Ethiopian Abyssinians

In Yemen, Ethiopian agents are suspected in the December 20, 2008 murder of Oromo Refugee Association leader Mr Ahmed Ibrahim Rore The human rights report details violence towards Oromo refugees including rape. It also raises concerns over why UNHCR Yemen banned Oromo songs at Culture shows. Oromo in Yemen provided a letter detailing their suffering in Qubee

Recent research in the United States have corroborated claims of Ethiopian Abyssinians torture, rape and extrajudicial killing of mainly Oromo, Ogaden, Anuak, Sidama and many Non-Abyssinians Ethiopian Amhara and Tigray opposition have also been victims of torture. In Abyssinians attempts to counterattack their claims, OLF is often targeted as the cause of torture or that were rightfully victims. Similarly, Ogaden opposition ONLF is also blamed for torture and human rights violation by Ethiopian lobbyist, which has been counted by a letter from United States Senators to Prime Minister Meles Zenawi