Ibsa ABO (Waajjira Damee Hariiroo Alagaa)
Amajji 8, 2024
The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) is gravely concerned about the political climate in Ethiopia and Somalia following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ethiopian government and Somaliland. The OLF emphasizes that such agreements pertain to the involved government and concerned parties. Additionally, we call for calm and understanding from all sides, urging the respect of refugees and civilian citizens on both fronts during these emotionally charged times. In the past, similar occurrences between these states have repeatedly inflicted enduring wounds on Oromo refugees and civilians.
Mallatoo wal hubannoo Mootumman Itoophiyaa fi Somaaleeland giddutti ta’e hordofee jeequmsa siyaasaa multa’aa jiruu Addi Abilisummaa Oromoo (ABO) akka malee yadessee jira. ABO waligalteen kun kan ta’ee fi kan ilaalatu mootuma Itoophiyaa fi qaama irratti hirmaate ta’u isaa hubaachiisa. Yeroo haalli jeequmsa siyaasaa ho’a ta’ee jiru kanatti qaamonni waligaltee kana irratti qooda fudhatan hunduu tasgabii fi wal hubii akka socho’an ABO waamicha godha. Gama hundaan tarkaanfii Miiran irratti hunda’e fudhachuu irraa akka of qusatamuu ABO dabalataan akkeeka. Seenaa darbee irraa akka hubannu, rakkolee walfakatoon akkasii yeroo biyyota kana giddutti mudatan kallatiin walitti bu’insa hinfeesisne keessa seenu irraa kan ka’e midhaa hagana hin jedhamnee baqatoota siyaasaa, fi uummata nagaa irratti madoo hin fayyinee ka’ee darbeera.
Uumanni oromoo fi Somalee jaarrota dheeraaf nagaan waliin jiraachaa tureera. Addaa, amantii, daangaa akkasumas qabeenya uumama waliin qoddachuun kabajaa fi jaalaan uumata waliin jiraataa jiru dha. Ha’u malee sababa siyaasaa mootumoota qoqqodanii bituun, uumanni kan giddutti sanyii diinuma faacuu irraa kan ka’e yeroo adda addatti lolaa hin feesisnfee kessa seenuun lubbuu namoota hedduu fi gaga’ama qabeenya irraan ga’a tureera.
The Oromo people have coexisted as neighbors with the people of Somalia for centuries, sharing cultures, traditions, religion, borders, and even land to mutually access resources and live together graciously in peace and harmony. Unfortunately, regimes have employed a ‘divide and rule’ policy, insinuating conflict that often escalates to war, resulting in loss of life and destruction of resources. The enduring positive relationship between our organization and Somali counterparts is rooted not only in the camaraderie with our Somali brothers but also in an ideological convergence regarding a passion for justice and respect for humanity. These shared human values and mutual respect form the foundation of our confidence that Somali politicians, scholars, religious leaders, elders, activists, and the entire spectrum of the people will heed this call.
In this critical time of heightened political tensions, we implore you to protect Oromo and other Ethiopian refugees residing in Somalia. We acknowledge the emotional intensity of the situation and fear that innocent civilians, including refugees, may become victims of impulsive actions. It’s crucial to recognize that refugees fleeing Ethiopia, whether Oromos or others, bear no ill intentions toward Somalia. Many, both refugees and non-refugees residing in the proximity, have coexisted, and are closely engaged in trade, farming, grazing, and worship.
The OLF sincerely believes that these challenging times necessitate caution and understanding to preserve the values dear to all of us, particularly the lives of innocent civilians. We appeal to all Somali citizens, whether residing in Somalia or the diaspora, to consider the protection of innocent civilians as a moral duty.
We also urge the international community, including the UN, the African Union, the European Union, and all neighboring countries, to utilize their influence to peacefully resolve this emerging conflict before significant damage befalls the region.
Victory to the masses
OLF Foreign Relations office
January 7, 2024