Oromo: OLF Denounces the Killings in Western Oromia
In an official press release, the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) has strongly denounced the killings of innocent citizens in Western Oromia occurred last Sunday [1 November 2020]. At least 54 people were killed in a brutal attack in a schoolyard in the village of Gawa Qanqa. Most of the victims were women and children and elderly people, according to survivors who hid in nearby forests. OLF has called for an independent investigation and has expressed its condolences to the victims’ families. The UNPO decries the attack and calls for the deescalation of ethnic tensions in the country through an inclusive and peaceful dialogue for representatives of Ethiopia's components with Addis Ababa.
Below is a press release published by the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF)
The OLF has learned from the state media that, on November 1, 2020, several innocent Oromia citizens were killed in Western Oromia. OLF strongly condemns this and other killings that have been taking place in different parts of Oromia. We express our condolences to the victims’ families, relatives, and friends with deep sadness.
As usual, the group that called themselves a government had accused the TPLF and the “ABOShane” group of the current killing in Western Oromia. “ABO-Shane” was blamed for this killing, but we have not come across any political organization or party with the name “ABO Shane” or called itself as such. Apparently, “ABO-Shane” is mysterious and neither known to the Ethiopian people nor the international community.
OLF would like to call for an independent and transparent investigation into this and other killings. Also, the outcome of this independent investigation must be communicated transparently to the victims’ families, the Ethiopian people, and the international communities. The victims’ families deserve justice and appropriate compensation for their losses. OLF calls upon everybody, including the Prosperity Party-affiliated media, to refrain from spreading unfounded propaganda that creates mistrust among groups or nations that potentially lead to a wider conflict.
Unless the country’s current violence and lack of peace and stability, particularly in Oromia, is given due attention and sought a lasting solution, the current situation will worsen. In fact, OLF warned about this unrest a while back and its consequences if remain un tackled. However, our calls have fallen on deaf ears, and the current crisis is the direct result of the responsible body’s inaction. OLF firmly believes establishing the Oromia National Transitional Government is the only way to restore Oromia’s peace and stability and get out of this mess. Therefore, we call upon all Oromia citizens and other stakeholders to execute their responsibilities and work toward realizing the Oromia National Transitional Government.
Once again, OLF strongly denounces the killings of innocent citizens in Western Oromia, in other places and generally war mongering situation. OLF also wishes comfort, strength, and peace for the victims’ families.
Victory to the masses
Oromo Liberation Front
November 3, 2020
