On Peaceful Resolution of Conflicts in Ethiopia

The root cause of political problems in Ethiopia is national oppression by the Ethiopian empire state and refusal by the state to respect the rights of oppressed peoples to self-determination. The current Ethiopian regime has recognized in its constitution the right of self-determination with serious limitations imposed on the exercise of the right. The aspiration of the people to regain the fundamental freedom, which was snatched from them by brutal conquest, is supported by the principle enshrined in the UNO Charter and related international instruments. The Oromo and other oppressed peoples are endowed with the right to decide the form of sovereignty they want, whether on their own or in a union with others on the basis of freely expressed consent of all concerned parties. To bring genuine peace and stability imperial domination must be brought to an end. To realize this objective readiness by all concerned parties is necessary to solve the political problem peacefully. Policy of shelving political problems must cease. OLF is ready to go an extra mile in search of peaceful resolution of the political crisis in Ethiopia. The OLF is ready to contribute towards any meaningful peace effort, as it did in the past, to reach at a comprehensive settlement to bring peace to all peoples of the empire.

On Armed Struggle

The protracted armed resistance under the leadership of the Front is an act of self-defense exercised by the Oromo people against successive Ethiopian governments, including the current one, who forcibly deny their right to self-determination. The OLF armed resistance targets the government's coercive machinery, not innocent civilians. The OLF has an unswerving anti terrorism stand and opposes terrorism as means of struggle to achieve the right of the Oromo people. The Organization considers terrorism as act of desperation. Therefore, anti terrorism remains a core policy of the organization.

On Religion and Religious Extremism

The Oromo people are followers of three major religions: Islam, Christianity and traditional Oromo religion. The OLF respects religious equality and pursues secular policy. It opposes religious domination and religious extremism of any kind. The composition of its members and supporters among the Oromo people, irrespective of religious divides, is a clear testimony to the organization's correct democratic policy on religion.

On Right of Minorities in Oromia

In Oromia there are minorities who have distinct identity and culture of their own. Minorities in Oromia are economically, culturally, and politically closely linked with the Oromo people. The OLF recognizes and respects the right of national minorities in accordance with internationally accepted principles to develop their culture, administer their own affairs, enjoy equal rights in every field of activity. The Organization has undertaken to vigorously work for the full realization of these rights and will take necessary measures to strengthen the bond of fraternity between the Oromo people and minorities in Oromia.

Solidarity and Co-operation with Oppressed Peoples

The empire state of Ethiopia was created by a strategy of divide and conquer and maintained by divide and rule. The OLF believes that solidarity and cooperation among the oppressed peoples led by their respective forces is essential for realization of thier common objectives of liberation. The organization has been working towards unity of struggle among the oppressed peoples to counter the enemy schemes and reduce the cost of achieving their political objectives of liberation. The alignment of the Tigrean regime with forces resisting genuine change in Ethiopia is posing a real threat to the oppressed and subjugated peoples in the Empire State. There are indications that militaristic and chauvinistic elements who are aspiring to restore the old order are demanding for the reversal of what minimum change our peoples have achieved through their struggle. The Ethio-Eritrean conflict is going to directly affect the oppressed nations and nationalities economically and in terms of human casualty, and continuation of suppression and violation of human rights by creating pretexts connected with the war situation. This dangerous course commenced by the TPLF and its allies, has made unity of struggle among genuine forces of liberation more pressing. The OLF is prepared to revitalize and strengthen previous agreements concluded with some organizations of oppressed peoples and work towards a formation of a platform to co-ordinate and channel their human and material resources to meet the challenge of the day.