The newly formed Oromo Democratic Front (ODF) has released its full Political Program, which was adopted by its Founding Congress in late March 2013.
ODF Political Program
25-27 March 2013
Since its emergence as a modern state at the end of the 19th century through the brutal war of conquest under Menelik II, Ethiopia has been the prison of nations and nationalities, the Oromo being one of them. The conquest was one of genocidal campaigns leading to massive loss of life, disease and famine. Consequently the Oromo lost their freedom, land and other resources, and were reduced to serfs under the notorious gabbar system. Ever since, they have waged relentless struggles to regain their freedom and dignity by every available means at their disposal, suffering untold repression and misery, despite which their determination has not waned, but only stiffened like never before.
The proud heritage of struggle of the gallant sons and daughters of the Oromo people against tyranny has registered important advances in recent decades. Today Oromia is at least recognized as an administrative entity, and Afaan Oromo has been transformed from a language slated for extinction into a language of instruction and administration. Yet, the Oromo people are not free and still struggle for basic rights that are taken for granted in most parts of the world.