OLF amends its political program; accepts the new federal democratic republic of Ethiopia

De Birhan Media
1-1-2012

  OLF's flag

The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) after a two day long closed meeting and deliberation in Minnesota, USA has stated that it has amended its political program and does "accept the new federal democratic republic of Ethiopia".

It further added that "The New OLF political program will accept the new federal democratic republic of Ethiopia that will work for the betterment of all of its citizens, neighboring countries and international communities. Informing the new federal democratic republic of Ethiopia, the OLF will respect and honor all decisions the Ethiopian peoples will make using their right of self-determination." According to the new program, OLF will abide by the decision of the Ethiopian people which includes their right to 'self determination'. 

The previous program and mission of the Front read as so " The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) is a political organization established in 1973 by Oromo nationalists to lead the national liberation struggle of the Oromo people against the Abyssinian colonial rule. The emergence of the OLF was a culmination of a century old yearn of the Oromo people to have a strong and unified national organization to lead the struggle. The fundamental objective of the Oromo liberation movement is to exercise the Oromo peoples' inalienable right to national self-determination to terminate a century of oppression and exploitation, and to form, where possible, a political union with other nations on the basis of equality, respect for mutual interests and the principle of voluntary associations."

The new program recognises the current state of Ethiopia and commits to work with all democratic forces in Ethiopia to bring about change. 

"The OLF National Council also focused on the timely demand of working with other democratic forces in forming the new Ethiopia that will guarantee and protect the fundamental rights of all peoples in Ethiopia. The new social contract will & should be based on the free will and consent of all peoples in Ethiopia. The previous style that claims “I know for you” should be abolished and replaced with a new vision that is based on peoples' consent and free will. "

Sources also added that the shift in program and mission came after years long discussion and deliberations that were held among oppositions forces such as Ginbot 7.

The Front is currently holding a public meeting and gives a press conference at Kelly Inn Hotel in Minnesota, USA in few hours. Sources also indicated that, OLF has produced a new Constitution that would be made public after the meeting. 
Brigadier General Hailu Gonfa and General Kemal Gelchu addressed the attendants via telephone from Asmara, Eritrea. Both of them vowed to work for a united Ethiopia changing their age old secessionist plans. The generals also called the international community to stop supporting the regime in Ethiopia and the Ethiopan youth to join the movement for "an all inclusive, united and democratic Ethiopia" . 

The press release just released can be read : Here