The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) expresses its support for the recent call from the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) for inclusive political dialogue amidst the growing risk of war in Ethiopia with regard to the autonomy of Oromo people.
The Oromo people are the largest group in Ethiopia and East Africa numbering 40 million. They are the native inhabitants of Oromia which spans most of present-day Ethiopia and shares borders with Kenya and Sudan. The Oromo people have a rich culture with a unique history, language, and religion.
Subject to internal colonisation by the Ethiopian state, they have historically faced oppression, land loss, disenfranchisement, and marginalisation under the Ethiopian government. Oromo people have been displaced and their historical neighbourhoods have been erased under the guise of development.
The lack of political representation and land rights- among others- have led to violent encounters with the government. In the last decade, protests have amplified and the situation has been volatile with worsening relations between involved stakeholders. Although 2018 saw hope for Oromo people with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed from Oromia in power, it was short-lived. The government became increasingly authoritarian during his tenure, and political space narrowed, with opposition parties, civil society, and independent media facing severe restrictions.
The Ethiopian government’s reliance on militarised responses and heavy-handed security measures in Oromia has resulted in civilian casualties, mass displacement, and widespread destruction of property, further deepening mistrust and grievances. Civilians continue to face insecurity, including intercommunal violence, kidnappings for ransom, and attacks on livelihoods. Oromia has become a recurrent arena of conflict and exploitation, preventing its population from benefiting from the region’s natural resources and perpetuating cycles of poverty and instability.
In this context, the OLF gave a statement addressing the security, social, and economic challenges brought about in Oromia and other regions by the persistent conflict in Ethiopia over the past decade. The OLF addressed Ethiopia’s security situation which has allowed for competition over territorial expansion. The historical looting of Oromo land continues and with Oromia being a recurring arena of war and exploitation, its people are unable to utilise the region’s natural wealth to overcome economic hardship. In recent years, armed movements have crossed into Oromia’s borders and led to the loss of administrative control and the disruption of civilian life. They called upon the Oromo people and residents of Oromia to safeguard their regional boundaries and stand united.
UNPO supports the OLF’s call for the government to initiate genuine and inclusive political dialogue with all parties, ensure respect for democratic and human rights, and resolve regional boundary disputes through negotiation and legal frameworks. We concur that political actors, civil society groups, human rights organisations, and the international community should collaborate to contribute to sustainable peace and stability in Ethiopia.
The Oromo people continue to seek the full realisation of their right to self-determination, equality, human dignity, democracy, freedom, and peace. At this critical juncture, meaningful dialogue and inclusive political processes are essential to guarantee lasting peace, security, and justice in Oromia and across Ethiopia.
Resources:
https://oromoliberationfront.org/english/oromia-briefs/
https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/ethnic-and-cultural-studies/oromo-people
https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/conflict-ethiopia
