A. We Reiterate That This “Peace Process” Cannot Be Taken Seriously

While Oromo political parties might be trying  to turn the occasion into an opportunity to further the interests of our people, the recent OLF-OFC conference and the ensuing dialogue with the regime are fundamentally Abiy Ahmed’s projects. The regime initiated it. It finances it. It controls and dictates the scope of discussions and the extent to which the process can proceed based on its own goals. It is also worth  noting that, despite reports suggesting only the two parties and elders participated in the conference, at least eleven individuals from the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) and intelligence services were present. The regime also began the process by lying to the elders  and opposition leaders that it was secretly in talks with the OLA in South Africa.

From the outset, the elders in attendance were handpicked using the regime’s resources. No Oromo community granted them a mandate or authorized them to represent our people. The institution of Jaarsummaa (eldership), a revered tradition within Oromo culture, is being  exploited for cheap political gambling. This charade has not only disgraced the revered institution of eldership but also dishonored the opposition leaders themselves. On the one hand, the opposition was permitted to raise demands, including the establishment of a transitional government; on the other, the regime’s media apparatus was deployed to mock them for making such demands.

After the conference, it was announced that the elders had bestowed a “serious mandate” upon the two parties. Only in Abiy Ahmed’s Ethiopia could a randomly selected group  of elders  grant opposition parties—parties that are not even allowed to keep their offices open—the authority to end wars, maintain peace, and establish a government.No one has questioned the legal basis, legitimacy, or feasibility of such a mandate, nor  how it could ever be realized.          

Even if the statement issued by the parties were to be taken seriously, the proposal it contains is a half-baked solution that fails to address the core issues plaguing the nation. It does not confront the central problem of the state embodied in PM Abiy Ahmed as a “leader”, nor does it tackle  the systemic issues at the root of the body politic.

Furthermore, the statement issued after    the conference assigns  a role to the OLA and presumes to speak on its behalf. While this is not the primary issue to dispute at this time—as the reality speaks for itself—it is crucial to emphasize that the OLA is an independent politico-military institution with its own agency. No political entity can assume responsibility for the OLA or dictate its role without proper negotiations with its leadership.     

B. Abiy Ahmed’s Objectives with    This Project 1. Exploiting Oromia Again 

Abiy Ahmed lacks a natural constituency and has lost the indirect support he once enjoyed, having waged war against every segment of society. By permitting the opposition in Oromia to raise pressing issues  and issue statements suggesting the possibility of a transitional government, the regime aims to generate a sense of euphoria in Oromia and revive  its rapidly dwindling image.

The regime has wasted no time capitalizing on this manufactured wave of hope, organizing its own “peace conferences” across Oromia. These efforts are designed to exploit any emerging optimism stemming from the opposition’s recent statements. Should the regime perceive these   efforts as fruitful, it may even extend offers of cabinet positions to opposition leaders, co-opting them under the guise of a “transitional” or “unity” government in the coming weeks.

We urge the opposition to thoroughly evaluate the medium-and long-term implications of participating  in initiatives that are started, funded, and controlled by the regime. While we acknowledge the cautious approach demonstrated, in particular, by the OFC leadership, we urge an even greater level of vigilance to avoid becoming instruments of the regime. Merely asserting, “we talk while we fight” is inadequate when such dialogue serves to revive  the regime that is killing our people without delivering tangible benefits to our people’s cause.              

It is imperative to critically assess whether continued engagement with the regime serves the broader struggle or undermines it. Thus far,  all evidence suggests that it undermines more than it benefits. At this juncture, the opposition should insist that the regime commit to foundational change and engage in meaningful negotiations with the OLA. While we are aware that the regime is unlikely to comply, taking this stance ensures that the opposition fulfills its obligation to steer the process in the right direction.        

Our people must remain vigilant. This is not the first time such tactics have been employed. Abiy Ahmed has orchestrated numerous false-flag political operations in the past. Every development  in Finfinnee is meticulously controlled by the regime. There is no justification for euphoria.        

2. Exploiting Contentious Issues to Prevent Alliance Against its Rule   

Even before the opposition conference,     the regime had already begun  stoking tensions around contentious border issues such as Dire Dawa, Madda Wolabu, and Moyale. Now, it is exploiting the opposition conference to amplify these divisions. The regime’s strategy is to introduce divisive topics, such as the borders of Oromia and the status of Finfinnee, to sow discord among the people of the country. By doing so, it aims to prevent the formation  of alliances between the Oromo opposition and      other communities against its rule.    

While the Oromo people have legitimate concerns regarding these territories, these issues must ultimately be resolved through inclusive negotiations with all relevant stakeholders. At present, however, the priority must be  to dismantle  the regime that inflicts daily violence upon our people. To all communities across the country, we urge you not to be distracted by Abiy Ahmed’s attempts to inflame tensions. These issues will be addressed through dialogue in due time. For now, our collective focus must remain on building a united front against the regime that oppresses us all.       

3. Creating Divisions Among the Oromo Opposition            

One of Abiy Ahmed’s primary objectives is to sow animosity among opposition groups in Oromia. He understands that our collective resolve represents the final blow to his faltering rule in the region. We must not afford  him this opportunity. While  it is important to address realities as they unfold, we must also remain strategically united for the sake of our people. Unity is our greatest strength in the face of a regime that seeks to divide and conquer.          

Finally, the international community must    also remain vigilant regarding these developments. This initiative in Oromia is merely another chess piece in Abiy Ahmed’s cruel game to perpetuate his reign of oppression. By sowing discord and weakening a united opposition, he aims to prolong his faltering rule. The world  must recognize this plot and  refrain from lending legitimacy to actions that undermine the collective struggle for justice and freedom.         

OLF-OLA High Command

February 24, 2025