The Oromo people, through the Qeerroo and Qarree movement, which involved various segments of Oromo society and inspired other communities under the EPRDF-led TPLF regime, achieved victory by forcing the retreat of the TPLF. However, our victory was stolen by those trained under the TPLF, transforming what was supposed to be the dawn of freedom into another form of oppression, leading to continued destruction of property and loss of lives among the Oromo.
Faced with the genocide declared against the Oromo people by the Bilxiginnaa regime and the Amhara extremists who were formed and supported by Bilxiginnaa, Qeerroo Bilisummaa Oromoo did not remain passive. Over time, Qeerroo has repeatedly called for popular resistance against this aggression. The regime in response worsened living conditions for our people. The Oromo homeland is being bombarded by heavy weaponry such as Zu-23s, mortars, tanks, and drones, resulting in the loss of lives and destruction of property by the Bilxiginnaa invading forces in Oromia.
Therefore, in an empire where Oromo children are denied their rights and their homeland is being ravaged because of their political ideology, strengthening the people’s resistance is paramount. The QBO (Qeerroo Bilisummaa Oromoo) is evermore committed against a regime that closes all avenues for civilized politics, burns the Oromo homeland, spreads propaganda in the name of peace talks, and deprives society of peace while manipulating public sentiment for political gain. Our people must unite, strengthen their resistance, and reclaim their rights. Recognizing this, we have issued a decree for a Market Boycott and Transportation Blockade.
This decree for the Market Boycott and Transportation Blockade will be in effect from Friday, Pagume 1, 2017 (according to the Ethiopian calendar) until the end of the Irreecha celebration in Harsadi. This means it will be in force from Friday, September 6, 2024, according to the Gregorian calendar, until the end of the Irreecha festival in Harsadi (permission for Irreecha activities is specified separately under guidelines).
Qeerroo Bilisummaa Oromoo calls up on all segments of the Oromo people to save themselves from annihilation and resist the orchestrated genocide, urging everyone to participate actively in this people’s resistance. This call for Market Boycott and Transportation Blockade is not only for the Oromo people in Oromia but also extends to all other oppressed nations who share similar struggles under the Bilxiginnaa regime.
- Under this declaration:
● All roads within Oromia are closed.
● All roads leading to Addis Ababa (Finfinne) are closed.
● All roads connecting Oromia with neighboring regions (Gambela, Asosa, Sidama, Southern Nations, Amhara, Somali, Afar) are closed.
● The road leading to Moyale, Kenya, is closed.
● All vehicular movement, including taxis and bajaj (three-wheeled vehicles), is prohibited.
● Government work is halted.
● Banks are closed.
● Markets are suspended.
● Shops are closed.
● Hotels are closed.
● Various symbols of resistance will be used (crossed arms, showing that the struggle continues, and wearing black clothing).
● Especially, the supply of vegetables, fruits, cattle, goats, sheep, minerals, grains, and other goods to Addis Ababa (Finfinne) is completely banned during these days of blockade. - Exceptions under the declaration:
● Vehicles transporting people who are going to celebrate the Irreecha festival (during the Irreecha week, vehicles carrying people participating in the festival are allowed to operate. However, any movement beyond what is permitted is prohibited).
● Ambulances transporting patients and pregnant women (only for those not involved in military activities and who are assigned specific duties).
● Journalists, both domestic and international, who are covering this People’s Resistance, if any.
This call for a Market Boycott and Transportation Blockade should be carried out in a manner that involves the entire Oromo society. We urge drivers and business owners to avoid violating the guidelines for temporary gains. The Qeerroo Bilisummaa Oromoo urges everyone to uphold the principles of the people’s resistance and intensify the struggle solely against the oppressive regime.
People who were not hitherto participating in the resistance must put an end to their silence. Silence, indifference, or waiting for others should come to an end. To prevent further Oromo bloodshed, loss of thousands of lives, and mass imprisonments, we must rise and fight today.
We strongly encourage our people to prepare and get the necessary supplies in advance for this resistance and to return home from the roads.
There is no freedom given freely by an oppressor; strengthening the People’s Resistance is an Oromo duty!
Victory to the Oromo People!
Qeerroo Bilisummaa Oromoo
September 2, 2024
Finfinnee, Oromia