OLF statement on Oromo refugees in the Horn of Africa

16 January 2007

  The drama unfolding itself in the Horn of Africa
should be shocking for all its inhabitants for it
brings to memory the commotions of the 19th century
colonial wars. Now as then, a power with modern
superior war machines and green light from different
quarters for different ends have over run them all
reaching the Indian Ocean unabated.    

  Around fifteen years ago the present Ethiopian
conquistador re-conquered the Ethiopian empire with
collaboration of prisoners of war that it organized
into surrogate groups suffixed People’s Democratic
Organization (PDO). That is the model it knows and
that is what it is going to awash the Somali people
with. 

     Ethiopia is the poorest country in the world.
AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis are wiping out its
population. Let alone fuel for war plane, tanks and
bombs that cross the boarder it did not afford medicine
against these diseases and is going around begging
the world to do its duties for it. Over and above this,
its human right abuses are beyond imagination. The
oppression within the Ethiopian empire had reached
a stage where it is no more bearable without consequences.

   All peace loving international human right organizations,
governments and individuals are airing their concern
over the atrocities the Ethiopian regime daily commits.
It is this same regime that has now crossed its borders
diverting relief funds to a war that has no moral or legal
basis.

   Many people had fled their beloved country at different
times under different Ethiopian regimes and lived in
neighboring countries as refugees. One of these neighboring
countries where many refuge seekers got shelter was Somalia.
Among these are a substantial number of Oromo nationals who
fled to Somalia at different times since the 1960s. Their
tormentors have now followed them to this country where
they had lived with relative calm. The pretext used by
the regime is helping the Transitional Federal Government
in Somalia but the truth is diverting internal and external
attention from the atrocities it has been committing domestically.
By destabilizing the region it is intending to stay in power
for some more years. It is a terrorist regime that is citing
anti-terrorist manifesto for its own purpose. 

   Now it is being reported that the Ethiopian regime’s
security forces are arresting, murdering and maiming
Oromo refugees at will under a situation where their
protectors could not save themselves let alone 

giving these Oromo nationals a refuge. They had run away
living behind their loved ones and their beloved country
hoping that the world would come to its senses and one
day come to their help. It is unfortunate that no one is
coming to their rescue. They could also run no more.
In front of them is the Indian Ocean and on their heels
are enemy war planes, tanks, artillery and infantry.
Their only chance is perishing away from the eyes of the world. 

  We are confident, however, that even during this trying
period the Somali people would not give them up easily.
They are the only ones, who could salvage what ever is
left from onslaught. Here, we do not want to pass
without expressing our sympathies to the farmers and
herdsmen of Juba valley that are being punished for
a conflict they know nothing about. We hope the
international community would rally to their rescue
and bring out the implications to light.

  The tyrannical government of Ethiopian is a member
of the UN and an ally of the US. We believe these
two bodies can hold it accountable for the crimes it
is committing against humanity in general and Oromo
refugees in particular. With this understanding we
appeal to the UN and US Government and all human right
Organizations and the international Red Cross to pay
attention to the wellbeing of Oromo refugees in 
Somalia in particular and the Horn of Africa in general. 

  Finally, we would like to urge Oromo nationals, Oromo
communities around the world, Oromo humanitarian
organizations and all peace loving friends of Oromo
to coordinate a humanitarian relief support for Oromo
refugees in Somalia, In particular, bringing the
plight of Oromo refugees to the attention of the
wider world is the duty of that Oromo Diaspora. They
are suffering only for being Oromo.  The Oromo like
all people of the world deserve a peaceful life and
respect for their human rights. 

  Oromia shall be free!

  Oromo Liberation Front