The Oromo people living in the 21st century still carrying the brunt of unparalleled political and socio-cultural oppression that has deprived us of our basic human identity and denied us the guarantee of survival as a nation. The colonial regime started by the dictatorial regimes, renewing itself with the changes of colonial systems in the world, destroyed the homes and villages of unarmed civilians, tortured and killed hundreds of thousands of people, and in recent five years continued committing more horrific acts against human rights than before. There is no end in sight to the atrocities committed against the Oromo.
Though the Oromo people have been fighting against the oppression of the empire at various times and have shaken to dismantle the foundation of the regime, the results of their struggle were misdirected and have exposed the nation to further oppression. Despite this, the oppressed nation has strengthened its resistance against the regime in all directions. The regime that named itself prosperity party (PP), headed by Abiy Ahmed is using modern weapons like UAVs and others to commit genocide against the Oromo people. Especially the genocide committed by drones has made entire Oromo villages centers of mourning. Under this regime, Oromo people have once again been fated to die, imprisoned, looted, raped, and displaced from their country.
The regime that claims to represent the Oromo people is not only causing unrest to the Oromo in their homes but also opening endless wars everywhere to prevent the Oromo children from finding peace in their neighbor´s territories as refugees. This is evidenced by the Oromo children that are being subjected to killings as well as looting and beatings in the second country of Somali-land because of the January 1st MoU with Ethiopia.
Supporting the struggle of the Oromo people to defend itself from destruction and campaign to thwart the genocidal action of the regime, Oromo youth liberation movement has renewed its peaceful Resistance to play its role as usual. The first round of People’s Resistance started in a new form on January 3, 2024, and ended with great success; and in the meantime, it gave a break to the people. Now, another round resistance is organized in a manner that could shake the PP faction from its roots. This phase of the Market Strike and Transportation Blockade will continue from 12:00 pm on Sunday, January 28, 2024 until a decree is issued to lift the ban.
The call for a Market Strike and Transportation Blockade is not only for the Oromo people in Oromia but also for other nations and nationalities with a similar fate, who are under the oppression of the PP regime.
- By this Declaration
Roads are closed in Oromia
The road to Finfinne (Addis ababa) is closed
Connections with neighboring states (Gambella, Asoosa, Sidama, Southern Peoples, Amhara, Somali, Afar) are closed.
The road to Moyale, Kenya is closed.
The movement of vehicles, including Motorcycles and Bajaj is prohibited.
Government offices, schools, banks, markets and shops are closed.
In particular, the supply of vegetables, fruits, cattle, goats, sheep, minerals, grains, and other items to Finfinne will not be allowed during these strike days.
Display of various signs of resistance (crossing arms, showing that the struggle continues, and wearing black clothes) in Oromia will be encouraged. - Things that are allowed
Ambulances transporting patient and maternity services (Non-military and used only for assigned duties)
Local and foreign journalists who moved to cover the news of the Resistance While we urge that all Oromo people to participate in the market strike and transportation blockade, we urge drivers and vehicle owners to refrain from violating the sanction for temporary gain. The Oromo Youth Liberation Movement (Qeerroo Bilisummaa Oromoo) committee urges you to organize yourselves with the highest level of discipline for a successful People’s Resistance.
Our people must put an end to silence, indifference, and waiting for someone else to accomplish your job. We must stand up today and fight together to stop blood shading, loss of hundreds of thousands of Oromo lives, and hundreds of thousands of imprisonments. From such a system, we do not expect freedom by free, we should fight, refuse, oppose, disobey, protest and so on. Knowing this, we must show strong determination to do anything that weakens the political, military, and economic power of the regime and reduces its impact on civilians. Our participation is crucial to be a guarantor of peace for our people. Otherwise, we will be accountable and history will judged us.
We strongly urge our people to prepare for this mass protest in advance and those who are on the journey should get back home.
People’s Resistance for the Liberation!
Victory to the Oromo and oppressed people!
Oromo Youth Liberation Movement (OYLM)
January 23, 2024
Finfine, Oromia
