Ogaden has been a member of the UNPO since 2010. 

The Ogaden people’s distinct identity and their ongoing struggles for recognition, self-determination, and equal representation highlight their status as a marginalized and oppressed group within Ethiopia. Despite significant challenges, including systemic discrimination, economic hardships, and a lack of political representation, the Ogaden community remains committed to preserving their cultural heritage and advocating for their rights. Ensuring that the Ogaden people can exercise their right to self-determination, including the right to equal participation and representation, and to review and address historical injustices, is essential for resolving ongoing conflicts, promoting their cultural preservation, and securing a future where their contributions are fully recognized and valued. The UNPO continues to advocate for the Ogaden’s rights, emphasizing the importance of peaceful dialogue and respect for their right to self-determination and equal representation.

The UNPO secretariat works for the rights of the people of Ogaden as a whole and might work with different civil society organizations, groups and representatives from Ogaden. However, the main organization representing the rights of the people of the Niger Delta within the UNPO membership and with voting rights at the General Assembly is the Ogaden National Liberation Front. You can read more about the Ogaden National Liberation Front here.

The culture and identity of the Ogaden people are deeply rooted in their pastoralist way of life, traditional customs, and shared heritage. The Ogaden community, predominantly ethnic Somali, has historically relied on nomadic herding of livestock as their primary means of sustenance and economic activity. This nomadic lifestyle has fostered strong communal bonds and kinship ties, with cultural expressions such as oral poetry, storytelling, and camel milk hospitality playing significant roles in their identity. These traditions have helped preserve their cultural heritage despite the challenges posed by external pressures and conflict.

The Ogaden region, located in southeastern Ethiopia, has a complex history shaped by centuries of cultural exchange, migration, and conflict. Historically inhabited by various ethnic groups, including the Somali, Oromo, and Afar peoples, the Ogaden has been a crossroads of trade and interaction between different communities. In the late 19th century, the region came under Ethiopian rule during the Scramble for Africa, leading to tensions and resistance movements by the Somali inhabitants who sought to establish their autonomy. The Ogaden War in the late 20th century further exacerbated ethnic tensions, with Somalia attempting to annex the region, leading to a protracted conflict with Ethiopia. Today, the Ogaden remains a contested region, with ongoing challenges related to governance, resource management, and ethnic relations.

The Ogaden people have long suffered from neglect and violence at the hands of the Ethiopian government, contributing to exceptionally precarious living conditions. The people of Ogaden face systemic exclusion from representation in social, cultural, and political fields, further marginalizing them within the Ethiopian state. Government-imposed embargoes on the region have prevented Ogadeni communities from accessing trade relations and aid from foreign countries and non-governmental organizations, exacerbating their isolation and economic hardships.

The Ogaden region’s economy, which relies heavily on livestock and agriculture, has been severely affected by catastrophic droughts and famine. Access to land and freedom of movement are fundamental issues, especially for the Somali population, who are historically rooted in pastoral nomadism. Government policies of land expropriation, selling large tracts of land to foreign investors exploring the region’s vast oil and gas resources, and redistributing land to farmers of non-Somali ethnicity have further strained relations between the Ogadeni people and the authorities, intensifying tensions and undermining the community’s traditional way of life.

Ensuring the Ogaden people’s right to self-determination is crucial for allowing them to choose their own political, cultural, and economic future, addressing historical grievances, and achieving equal representation in decision-making processes. Equal participation and representation are essential for empowering the Ogaden people to advocate for their interests, preserve their cultural heritage, and secure their rights which are vital for promoting justice, stability, and inclusivity in the region.