I want to trust OLF, but…?
June 11, 2006 Dear Editor of Ethiomedia, Even if we assume that the document and map posted were fabrications of the TPLF, as stated in the OLF press release, there are still some facts which are consistent with the overall objective of the OLF described in its own mission statement and political program, the activities of the organization routinely carried out in and outside Ethiopia, and the manipulative role the organization played in the formation of the AFD. In other words, the OLF, whether functioning alone or as a member of the AFD, is still left with some basic questions to answer affirmatively if it wants to get the support of Ethiopians across the board. To the best of my understanding, these questions are related to:
So long as the OLF chooses to disregard these concerns of the Ethiopian people, I believe, cosmetic changes will not do anything to alter its image. Many people say the idea behind the formation of the AFD is to enable the OLF to grab power easily, as the TPLF did using the EPRDF, and/or to weaken the CUDP and eliminate one, big potential competitor against the future formation of a separate Oromia state. If that is so, I can say that the OLF has not yet learnt from the failures of the TPLF and the history of the Ethiopian people. Looking at the evidence on the ground, Ethiopians, as a people, have always shown the desire to live together in unity and equality. I believe it is the narrow-minded, power-thirsty and irresponsible educated elites that are the source of the problem for our people and country. Using deceitful and evil methods, the TPLF and EPLF elites succeeded in separating the people of Eritrea from their fellow countrymen/women in Ethiopia. While ruling Ethiopia the TPLF still maintains its secessionist agenda for Tigrai and others- what a paradox and sick mentality. However, thanks to the Ethiopian people, the ever increasing pushes by the TPLF elites towards the direction of separation has met persistent resistance, denying them a second strike. Although the people have to suffer severely from TPLF’s brutal punishments, they have also repeatedly said “NO” to ethnic stratification and conflicts. The May 2005 election was a clear evidence for all this. This was the time when the overwhelming majority of Ethiopians said in one voice “Hell” with the TPLF and its divisive constitution. Irrespective of their differences in ethnicity and religion, the people’s desire was/is clearly democracy and unity, which they exhibited to the whole world decisively.
This desire of the Ethiopian people has been echoed for years by different venues and nobody has been able to destroy it. Nor will it be destroyed by anyone in the future too. It is a desire which keeps on burning until that perfect leadership which can entitle all Ethiopians true democracy and freedom emerges. The inter-connections, bonds and unity that exist between the different peoples of Ethiopia are elegantly described by the renowned Ethiopian scholar Dr. Fikre Tolossa in his article titled: Common factors uniting the peoples of Ethiopia.
Emphasizing on the strong relationships that exist between Ethiopians, the author stated: “The peoples of Ethiopia have been so much interwoven over the past 6000 years racially, ethnically, religiously, psychologically, linguistically, historically, culturally, socially, geographically and economically, that no force can tear them asunder easily. The peoples of Ethiopia, regardless of their ethnic background, are kinsmen. The common factors which they share together can bind them yet tightly.” “The relationships of Ethiopians to each other are too sophisticated to be categorized too narrowly. The unique peoples of Ethiopia will find a unique solution to ethnic conflicts or any other problems which they encounter while striving to strengthen their unity based on equality and while attempting to build their impoverished nation.” What true statements, indeed.
Although the TPLF has faced resistance from the Ethiopian people, it has caused enormous destruction to human lives and public properties. Among other things, crime against humanity has been committed by the TPLF leadership. There is no doubt that sometime, hopefully, in the near future, the responsible leaders will be charged for what they have done in this regard. Thanks to the advancement of technology, nowadays, no body is able to hide behind anything after committing such a significant crime. If the OLF ignores what the Ethiopian people have expressed time and again, and chooses to follow the footsteps of the TPLF, no question that our people will suffer from the consequences once again. Therefore, the OLF leaders have to know upfront that they would be held responsible for anything wrong that may happen as a result of their actions. Ethiopians, along with the international community, would watch them more closely and, thus, it may not be any more that easy for them to have a wild adventure at the expense of human life. From the past, we are also aware that the human rights records of the OLF are a little murky, calling for extra attention to be given for what its leaders might be doing in their attempts to achieve their proposed aspiration of forming the Oromia nation.
It should, however, be noted that this does not mean that the Oromo people or any other peoples of Ethiopia do not have the right to choose how they live. No, they have all the right for that. I believe this is a God-given right to every human being. But, the choices they are being given presently by some of their so called leaders are not acceptable to them as they have said “No” to ethnic stratification and secession but “Yes” to democracy and unity. This should be respected at least for now. Dictating the people to satisfy ones own interest will not work this time but only to lead to further destruction, which should be avoided as much as possible.
Long live united Ethiopia.
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