The current Ethiopian regime came to power in 2018, capitalizing on the change ushered in by the blood and sweat of the Oromo people, particularly the Oromo youth—Qeerroo and Qarre. As those who ascended to power spoke of the public’s demands, there was hope for a better life, the right to peaceful movement, and equality under the constitution. However, under the new Prosperity Party regime, the Oromo people have instead faced plunder, beatings, burnings, rapes, imprisonments, forced recruitment, and killings.
Hello, dear listeners and viewers of the Oromia National Media. I am Haqaafan Fayyeeraa, bringing you a presentation titled “The Appeal and Deception of Birhanu in Western Oromia.” I invite you to stay with us until the end of our program.
Today, a nation’s standing in the world depends on its democratic values, respect for human rights, better life for its citizens, and the opportunities it provides for its people to work, raise families, and lead peaceful lives in any sector they choose.
This week, we observed the regime’s media reporting on Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Singapore. Like our neighbor Kenya, Singapore managed rapid nation-building after 1960. Today, Singapore is a fast-growing nation providing a better life for its citizens.
In the waning days of British colonial rule, Singapore became an autonomous province of Malaysia, much like Eritrea was in Ethiopia. It was only in 1965 that Singapore became an independent nation. In less than a century, Singapore has become a success story, setting an example for other nations.
In contrast, the Ethiopian empire, which claims a long history, has failed to improve its citizens’ lives by ensuring equitable access to necessities like food, water, healthcare, education, and farming tools. Instead, it spends meager foreign currency on building large armies and purchasing expensive war machines, including bullets, mortars, and drones, used against innocent civilians.
The regime speaks against war while committing extrajudicial killings, political assassinations, and murders. The rhetoric of political operatives and the actions of security agents do not align.
On Thursday, June 6, 2024, General Birhanu Juula visited Dambii Dollo town in the Qellem Wallaggaa region of Western Oromia. During his visit, he discussed security issues with elders and religious leaders from Dambii Dollo districts and town administrations.
As is customary for regime agents, Birhanu’s presentation in Dambii Dollo was filled with lies, deception, hypocrisy, threats, denial, and hopelessness. Despite claiming to be a non-partisan military officer, Birhanu spoke like a political leader of the Prosperity Party. He contradicted his earlier statements that the army would remain neutral and obey civilian rule.
General Birhanu Jula, a former POW of the TPLF, served the TPLF for about three decades and is now an agent of the Prosperity Party. During the discussion in Dambii Dollo, General Jula falsely accused Oromo elders and leaders of collaborating with the Fanno militia and the Eritrean army to overthrow the Oromo government. He claimed that he and the regime’s army were working to reach an agreement with the OLA to solve internal problems.
Which government does General Jula refer to as the “Oromo government”? It is clear that General Jula and other operatives of the Abiy Ahmed regime are attempting to deceive the Oromo people by raising the issue of an “Oromo government.” Although certain Oromo individuals are officials of the Prosperity Party, the Prosperity Party does not represent the Oromo people.
Let us examine General Birhanu’s claim that Fano and Eritrea aim to overthrow the Oromo government. Even if these parties intended to overthrow the Ethiopian regime, they would be targeting a regime that wreaks havoc to protect the Ethiopian empire. The truth is that Birhanu Jula and Abiy Ahmed invited Eritrea and Fano to fight against the Oromo and Tigray people. This unholy alliance has caused the loss of over one million lives. Abiy Ahmed praised the Eritrean alliance, claiming that Eritrea came to their defense when their own shadow denied them.
Fanno continues to kill and loot in East Wallaggaa, Horroo Guduruu Wallaggaa, and North Shaggar with the implicit blessing of the Prosperity Party. Whether it is the Prosperity Party, the Fanno militia, the Eritrean army, or any ally of the Ethiopian regime, they are all enemies of the Oromo people’s struggle for freedom. Birhanu Juula urged the elders and leaders to pressure the OLA to lay down arms and unite with the Prosperity Party against Fano and Eritrea.
The elders and leaders did not commit to General Jula’s demands. They emphasized the need for peace talks with the OLA through formal negotiations. The so-called national dialogue, controlled entirely by the Prosperity Party, cannot lead to genuine negotiations or lasting peace.
Participants expressed that the OLA has valid reasons to distrust the Prosperity Party. The regime’s operatives seek to uphold the ruling party’s power and interests. A participant from Anfilloo district stated that any solution to the Oromo question that excludes the OLA will not lead to lasting peace. General Jula was visibly upset.
General Jula held a similar discussion with elders and religious leaders in Naqamtee city. Participants reiterated that the population is weary of a government that ignores their wishes. They called for formal negotiations with the OLA to allow the public to live without fear of war.
The participants did not buy into General Jula’s deceit. The Prosperity Party’s efforts to gain the population’s loyalty were unsuccessful. The PP is preparing for the next fake election.
In conclusion, I urge our people to recognize that the Prosperity Party has been deceiving and lying for over six years. Continue the struggle for freedom and sovereignty by supporting the OLA, the Oromo’s freedom-fighting force.
This program was prepared and presented by Haqaafan Fayyeeraa of Oromia National Media.