September 14, 2007 The conference organized in Asmara, Eritrea, and participated by many representatives of Somali people is a timely call. The conference attended for more than a week by members of many political parties and Somalis from different walk of life was the long awaited and the most successful. Hence, the out come of the conference “Alliance for the liberation of Somalia” has to be supported by all peace loving and respecting entities.
The Asmara conference attracted more than 400 Somali participants. Those participated on the conference were members of Somali Parliament, the Ex Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia, Community leaders, Somali elders, Professionals, Leaders of the Somali Islamic Courts, Diaspora Somalis, opposition political parties, leaders of Somali Civic Organizations and other groups who supports peace in Somalia.
Right from the start the conference organizers clearly indicated that such unique forum was organized with an objective to carve a working strategy and technique to liberate Somalia and Somali people from the occupying Ethiopian Government Forces. The conference participants also agreed to use both military and diplomatic measures to force the colonizers out of their country. Based on this historical notion the participants established one umbrella organization (“Alliance for the Liberation of Somalia”). This newly formed alliance has elected 195 members that will work as a central member of parliament and 10 members as a central committee.
By giving priority to peace, the member of the Alliance agreed to go extra miles and called the occupying Ethiopian force to leave Somalia immediately. Otherwise, both the colonizing Ethiopian forces and the Somali Transitional Government will be responsible for any loses of life and material due to any military action taken by the Alliance.
The agreement reached by leaders of Somali People, opposition parties, professionals, community leaders of this horn of Africa country has to be respected and applauded. This was the first conference initiated and organized by the Somalis themselves. For the last 16 years there have been about 16 conferences in different countries like Kenya, Djibouti and Egypt organized to solve the problem of Somalia. None of them were successful. In addition, recently the conference called by the transitional government of Somalia under a direct supervision of Ethiopian government became futile. Therefore, the Asmara conference is considered as a new approach and hope for the Somali people.
Autocratic government like that of TPLF/EPRDF terrorist government has its own hidden agenda that benefits from the disintegrated and decentralized Somalia. As a result TPLF always worked against the formation of any Somalia group without the influence of Wayane policy. Those who could not dissociate themselves from Somalia internal affairs were also speculating different scheme based on some participants of the conference. This clearly showed their frustration and prejudice in fear of the positive out come of the conference. Such hasty and subjective judgment, however, do not help in searching a lasting solution from any conflict resolution perspective. Based on the assessment of the 16 years futile attempt to bring peace to Somalia, neither Wayane nor misguided individuals will have fair and balanced suggestion to bring peace and prosperity to Somalia.
The Oromo people and its organization The Oromo Liberation Front have repeatedly expressed at different stages, press releases and media outlets that the internal problem of Somali People should get solution by the Somali people themselves. OLF would like to reiterate its unwavering stand on this issue. The problem in Somalia will be solved only by the Somali people.
Therefore, OLF strongly suggests that any government and body who believe in the freedom of a nation should support the outcome of Asmara conference and congratulate the formation of “Alliance for the Liberation of Somalia”. To solve the tragic problem Somalia and Somali people faced during the last sixteen years, it is a high time to let the Somali people find the solution in their own way. Respecting Somali people conference in Asmara and the formation of the Alliance should be painstaking as a respect for humanity.
Editorial Statement of Oromo Liberation Front
