Search Results

September 24th, 2023 - The commander-in-chief of the OLF-OLA, jaal Marroo Diriba, attended the graduation ceremony of the "Guca Bilisummaa" cohort of trainees. He used the occasion to deliver articulate messages aimed at the Oromo public, the Oromo diaspora, the regime, and the members of the regime's military, touching on a diverse array of subjects. Conduct and Ethical Standards Jaal Marroo underscored the OLA's uncompromising policy on behaviors that breach the organization’s code of conduct. He conveyed to the graduates the imperative of upholding high standards and exemplifying the values of the OLA in all their interactions, emphasizing their role as representatives of the organization wherever they may be. Advancement in The Struggle Addressing the prevailing conditions, jaal Marroo elaborated on the extensive preparations underway for the imminent strategic advancement. He informed the graduates that the “real war had yet to commence” and delved into the comprehensive endeavors being undertaken in readiness for the opportune moment. Communique to the Regime's Military Personnel Jaal Marroo sent a message to members of the regime's military, assuring them that aligning with the OLA should not be a matter of fear and encouraging them to seize the earliest opportunity to do so. For those embedded within the OLA’s clandestine networks, he counselled patience despite the prevailing conflict between PP and Amhara state, emphasising the importance of timing. Outreach to the Oromo Diaspora Jaal Marroo issued a clarion call to the Oromo diaspora to bolster the newly instituted OLF-OLA Foreign Bureau under Jaal Qajela Siraj. He outlined the pivotal roles they could play in advancing the struggle and stressed the critical importance of strategic organization. Addressing the Malaria Crisis in Oromia Jaal Marroo shed light on the recent malaria crisis in western Oromia, citing over 58,000 infections within the last six weeks. He criticized the regime’s callous rationing of crucial medication and highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the OLA to assure the public's access to necessary treatments. Furthermore, he provided advice to the public on preventative measures against malaria outbreaks within communities. __________________________________________________ FULL VIDEO (Untranslated): https://rumble.com/v3jaa4e-jaal-marroo-dirribaa-ajajaa-olaana-abo-wbo-sirna-eebba-wbo-marsaa-guca-bili.html

OLF-OLA (August 29th, 2023) - In the ever-evolving landscape of Oromia, the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) continues to be the bedrock of resilience and determination. Our strength, rooted in the commitment of the Oromo community to defend its homeland against the onslaught of the Abiy regime, has witnessed a series of fortifying events. Today, the Western Zone announced that its latest batch of recruits have completed their training and conducted their graduation ceremony in the presence of senior officers and the public in Horo Guduru. The graduation ceremony (video below) included a martial arts exhibition as well as an oath-taking ceremony. In their speeches, the senior officers present reminded the recruits of the unique challenges that will face them as they face both Fano terrorists and the oppressive forces of Abiy Ahmed in a two-pronged war. This graduation marks the third in less than a month. On July 29th, the Central Zone's latest batch of recruits held their graduation ceremony in the presence of jaal Sanyii Nagasaa, esteemed member of the OLF-OLA Executive Committee and the top commanding officer of the Central Zone. In his speech, he urged the new soldiers to safeguard their unity and to conduct themselves in a manner fitting of an OLA soldier. Their rigorous training sessions, dedication, and camaraderie were evident, and this day marked a significant milestone in their path. (IMAGES) OLA Central Zone Graduation Ceremony On August 1st, the latest batch of recruits in the Eastern Zone, undergoing training in the most arduous of conditions, held their graduation ceremonies. (IMAGES) OLA Eastern Zone Graduation Ceremony Likewise, on August 13th, jaal Marroo Diriba, our respected commander-in-chief, personally recognized a select group of individuals who had undergone specialized leadership training. These individuals were bestowed with officer ranks, further cementing their roles as future leaders within our organization. Each training completion, each oath taken, and each rank bestowed is a step forward in our mission. The OLA, with its deep-rooted principles and commitment to the Oromo cause, will continue its efforts to fortify its ranks and uphold the values it stands for. Thank you for your continued support and belief in our cause. Together, we forge ahead. Victory to the Oromo and All Oppressed Peoples!

Following our counter-offensives in late May and early July, the regime's operations largely faltered until early August, when it initiated a rapid large-scale deployment of ENDF units. Several divisions of the Republican Guard have been deployed to West Shewa, East Walaga, West Walaga, and Kelem Walaga. In mid-August, the 2nd and 4th Regiments of the 87th Corp (Eastern Command) arrived in Southern Oromia following a request for reinforcements by the 205th Corps (Southern Command) already occupying the area. This report summarises key military engagements that took place between July 14th and August 22nd, 2023. July 14th Southern Oromia - Mugayo Locality, Liban District: OLA forces engaged a convoy transporting regime forces from Mugayo to Alge, resulting in 120 regime fighters killed and at least 75 injured. July 15th West Hararghe - Miesso District: OLA forces intercepted a regime patrol en route to Marfo locality. The encounter left 15 regime fighters dead and another 24 injured. July 21st West Guji - Dugda Dawa District: An OLA operation targeted a regime military camp, leading to 25 regime fighters killed and an additional 5 captured. August 1st East Walaga - Kiremu District: The regime military's advance was repelled, resulting in 52 regime fighters killed, at least 105 injured, and an additional 52 captured. August 2nd East Walaga - Gida Ayana District: Following engagements in Kiremu the previous day, OLA forces decisively countered another regime offensive, with over 250 regime fighters left dead and an unconfirmed number injured. August 10th Kelem Walaga - Anfilo District: OLA forces confronted regime fighters advancing through the Yareri locality. Over 80 regime fighters were killed in action, and a further 113 were confirmed injured. West Walaga - Mana Sibu District: OLA forces thwarted a regime military offensive, resulting in 45 regime fighters killed, 57 injured, and 12 captured. August 11th West Guji - Adole Rede District: OLA forces confronted regime fighters occupying the area, leading to 31 regime fighters killed, over 20 injured, and 5 captured. Guji - Gumi Eldalo: OLA forces engaged a regime military convoy originating from the Bulbul military camp, resulting in 34 regime fighters killed and 57 injured. August 14th Arsi - Ziway Dugda District: OLA forces intercepted a regime military convoy moving from Ogolcho town toward Ula Arba. The engagement led to at least 108 regime fighters killed and another 132 injured. West Hararghe - Miesso District: OLA forces took action against a regime military convoy resulting in 42 regime fighters being killed and an unknown number being injured. West Walaga - Boji Birmaji District: .OLA forces confronted a newly-deployed regime military regiment, resulting in 59 regime fighters killed and 12 injured. August 16th Southern Oromia - Arero District: OLA forces intercepted a regime military patrol resulting in 8 regime fighters being killed including Colonel Nasir Mohammed, a deputy commander in the ENDF's 41st Division. August 18th West Shewa - Meta Wolkite District: OLA forces took action against a newly-deployed regime military regiment resulting in 96 regime fighters being killed and over 45 being confirmed injured. 11 regime fighters were captured. August 22nd West Walaga - Mana Sibu District: OLA forces targeted a regime military camp located between the towns of Harawe and Wama Tobara, resulting in over 45 regime fighters killed and 12 captured, with an unknown number injured. West Walaga - Babo Gambel District: In two separate confrontations, OLA forces successfully repelled a regime offensive, leading to 92 regime fighters killed and an unknown number injured. Summary As of this report, heavy fighting continues across all zones. The Abiy regime's intent on dominating Oromia is evident, and its actions have significantly intensified the situation. Images Weapons Captured by OLA forces in Miesso District (July 15th, 2023) VIDEO: Weapons captured in Meta Wolkite district (August 18th, 2023)

Following the unsuccessful May Offensive, regime forces experienced a substantial setback in both momentum and strategic initiative. Faced with the mounting prowess of the OLA, the regime has resorted to fully implementing a scorched earth policy targeting civilian populations. Despite this shift in the enemy strategy, OLA forces remain undeterred and have conducted a series of counteroffensives to protect the civilian population and maintain the pressure on the regime. This report summarizes key military engagements that took place between May 20th and July 11th, 2023. May 20th West Guji - Gale Magada Locality, Bule Hora District: OLA forces conducted a successful operation against a convoy transporting regime fighters. The operation resulted in the neutralization of 30 regime fighters, including Lieutenant Firaol Gudisa Dhuguma and Lieutenant Yigezu Bari Tafata. A subsequent group of regime fighters deployed to the area was nearly entirely eliminated, resulting in approximately 250 more casualties and over 30 injuries. North Shawa - Warra Jarso District: On a separate front, a regime contingent preparing for an offensive against OLA positions in Warra Jarso District was surrounded and routed by the OLA forces, resulting in 66 regime casualties. May 21st East Guji - Didola Locality, Oddo Shakkiso District: An operation against a regime patrol unit resulted in 17 regime fighters being neutralized and 40 being captured.A DShK gun, 4 Bren guns, and 60 AKMs were captured. North Shawa - Warra Jarso District: In a follow-up operation to the previous day's engagement in Warra Jarso District, OLA forces took on the main regime military contingent in the area. This resulted in the neutralization of 64 regime fighters, including 4 officers of major rank, and the capture of 27. May 22nd West Shawa - Bakafu Abetu Locality, Midaqanyi District: An operation targeted a convoy carrying units of the Republican Guard. The engagement led to 23 members of the Republican Guard being killed and 27 injured. May 28th Kelem Walaga - Dale Wabara and Gawo Qebe District: In Dale Wabara and Gawo Qebe districts, OLA forces captured the two main regime military camps. The operation saw 135 regime fighters killed and 35 captured. Additionally, OLA forces captured 146 AK rifles, 2 mortars, and various other munitions and grenades. June 1st West Guji - Dugda Dawa District: The first engagement in June took place in the Dugda Dawa District. The OLA forces neutralized a regime patrol, leading to 7 regime casualties and 5 injuries. June 7th West Shawa - Sululta District: OLA forces intercepted a regime patrol in the Sululta District. The successful operation resulted in 30+ regime casualties, 25 injuries, and 12 regime fighters captured. Additionally, OLA forces seized 40 AK rifles and 2 sniper rifles. (Picture Below) June 13th West Shawa - Odaa Dalota Locality, Ada Barga District: OLA forces preempted a planned major offensive by regime forces in the Odaa Dalota locality. This engagement led to 57 regime casualties, 23+ injuries, and 14 captured. The operation also resulted in the capture of 30 AK rifles, 2 sniper rifles, 26 handguns, and 3 mortar rounds. (Picture Below) West Shawa - Galessa Town, Meta Robi District: An operation conducted by OLA forces resulted in 45 enemy fighters being killed. June 21st East Hararghe - Owitu Locality, Adami Tulu District: OLA forces conducted an operation against a regime military camp resulting in 7 regime fighters being killed and 10 being injured. June 22nd East Arsi - Heban Dubo Locality, Munessa District: OLA forces engaged a contingent of regime forces killing 45 regime fighters and injuring over 100. July 6th West Hararghe - Ciro District: OLA forces took action against a regime patrol resulting in 6 regime fighters being killed. July 11th Kelem Walaga: OLA forces undertook a concurrent operations against regime fighters in Kelem Walaga. Hawa Galan District: OLA forces engaged with regime fighters, resulting in 67 regime fighters killed, 89 injured, and 15 captured. Machara District: Concurrent operations in the Machara District led to 56 enemy fighters killed, 75 injured, and 8 captured. Sadan Canqa District: In the Sadan Canqa District, 78 regime fighters were killed, 91 injured, and 14 captured. In total, for July 11th, the engagements across the three districts resulted in 201 regime fighters killed, 255 injured, and 37 captured. OLA forces also managed to capture 105 AK rifles, 45 grenades, 10 Bren guns, 6 sniper rifles, and several thousand rounds of ammunition of various types Summary Our counter-offensives were successful in neutralizing at least 983 regime fighters and injuring over 400. Several hundred regime fighters remain under our custody following their surrender. A substantial amount of weaponry was seized from enemy forces including DshK guns and mortar rounds. Images

Between May 7th and May 17th, 2023, the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) actively engaged the regime's military forces multiple times throughout Oromia in response to the regime's launch of an all-out offensive against OLA positions. The battles took place in various regions, including East Shawa, West Shewa, West Arsi, West Hararghe, Horo Guduru, and Southern Oromia. The zonal military commands of the OLA have reported the following details regarding these confrontations: May 7th East Shawa - Adami Tulu District: Our forces engaged with regime fighters advancing on our positions in the district, neutralizing 75 and capturing 4. West Arsi - Arsi Negele District: The Heban Arsi company of the Jaal Nadhi Gamada brigade undertook an operation against a regime military contingent camped at the Abijata soda ash factory, neutralizing 25 regime fighters, seriously injuring 18, and capturing 2 AK rifles. May 8th West Shewa - Osole Town, Jaldu District: Engagements resulted in 50 regime fighters neutralized, 29 injured, and 10 captured. Our forces also secured 38 AKMs, 1 PKM, 1 sniper, and 5000 AK bullets. May 11th Southern Oromia - Adda Takari Locality, Liban District: OLA forces neutralized 21 regime fighters, injured 23 and captured several more. West Hararghe - Gara Muktar Locality, Gammachis District: Engagements resulted in 30 regime fighters neutralized, 37 injured, and capture of 5 AKMs and 5 pistols. May 12th West Hararghe - Gara Wajija Locality, Miesso District: Our forces neutralized 12 regime fighters and captured 4 AKMs. May 13th Horo Guduru - Qare Watiyo Locality, Kombolcha District: In the early morning, regime fighters advanced on OLA positions. In response, our forces neutralized 75 regime fighters, injured 126, and captured 35 along with 2 DshKs, 1 mortar, 8 PKMs, 6 snipers, 65 AKMs, 3215 bullets, and 28 explosives. West Shawa - Meta Wolkite District: The Badho Dachas, Magarsa Bari & Bakalcha Bari brigades intercepted and halted an advancing contingent of regime fighters supported by mortar fire. This resulted in 94 regime fighters neutralized, 71 injured, and over 50 captured along with 67 AKMs, 2 PKMs, 2 Snipers, 6,800 rounds of ammunition, 27 explosives, 39 pistols, and 66 radios. West Shawa - Gijo Kombe Locality, Midaqanyi District: Following the repelling of the regime’s offensives in West Shawa, OLA’s Obomboletti Brigade (Storm Brigade) conducted several operations, neutralizing 14 regime fighters, injuring 20 and capturing 4. West Shawa - Jirma Qorphessa Locality, Ilfata District: Our forces halted and repelled advancing regime fighters from Ambo into Ilfata, inflicting several casualties. West Shawa - Hero Locality, Ilfata District: A convoy of 14 vehicles carrying regime fighters was halted in Kamisa Market. In this engagement, our forces neutralized 7 regime fighters and injured 9. May 14th East Shawa - Dire Jitu Locality, Bishoftu Town: An operation targeted the 3rd Police Headquarters, neutralizing 7 regime fighters, killing 3 intelligence officers, and capturing 10 AKM rifles. West Shawa - Ayana Sanyii Market, Ilfata District: Our forces intercepted a convoy of vehicles carrying regime fighters from Ilfata town towards Hidhaby Sandi locality at a place called Ayana Sanyi Market. The action resulted in 13 regime fighters neutralized and 8 injured. May 15th West Shawa - Galan Wadessa Locality, Ambo District: The OLA’s Obomboletti Brigade (Storm Brigade) stormed and captured the regime’s camp in Galan Wadessa after a 3-hour battle. The encounter resulted in 66 regime fighters neutralized and 71 injured. May 17th Horo Guduru - Kombolcha District: After a day of fighting, our forces expelled all regime fighters from this district and nearby neighboring Dadu district neutralizing 81 regime fighters, injuring over 100, and freeing over 100 political prisoners from a notorious torture camp. Our forces also captured 3 military vehicles, 65 enemy personnel, 85 AKMs, 2 mortars, 6 PKMs, 12 Bren guns, 6 snipers, 8245 rounds of ammunition, and 62 explosives. Horo Guduru - Dadu District: After a day of fighting, our forces expelled all regime fighters from this district and neighboring Kombolcha district. An operation was undertaken to capture the main military camp in the area, neutralizing 25 regime fighters and capturing 35 AKMs. Summary The enemy has suffered significant losses, with a total of 681 fighters neutralized and at least an additional 486 injured. Another 115 regime fighters were captured during operations. A substantial cache of enemy weaponry consisting of 343 AK rifles, 18 PKM machine guns, 11 sniper rifles, 2 DshK heavy machine guns, 5 pistols, and 2 mortars. Additionally, we've acquired approximately 21,315 rounds of various ammunition as well as several mortar shells. Images

(OLF-OLA Press Release) After the first round of talks in Tanzania concluded on May 3rd, Arat Kilo initiated a broad offensive across territories in Oromia under our administration. This move starkly contradicts the understanding that de-escalation should be prioritized during negotiation processes. The current offensives seem designed to secure leverage ahead of the second round of talks. Despite our unwavering commitment to peace, we have been forced to defend our territories in West Walaga, East Walaga, Horo Guduru, West Shawa, East Shawa, Arsi, Hararghe, Borana, and Guji. This defense has resulted in substantial casualties on the regime’s side. Our forces have remained resolute, successfully repelling each offensive and effectively dismantling the regime’s primary staging ground for offensives in southwest Shawa. Nonetheless, the toll this conflict takes on civilians is deeply concerning. The regime’s forces have resorted to coercive tactics, pressuring civil servants to finance their military operations and compelling farmers to supply food for their troops. Those who resist face punitive actions, which range from the withholding of fertilizer to summary execution. The army has also forcibly drafted farmers into local militias. As they traverse the towns and villages of Oromia, the regime’s forces engage in robbery, mobile phone confiscation, and public beatings. They have set homes ablaze, ruined farms, and perpetrated horrific acts of sexual violence. These ongoing atrocities underscore the regime's alarming disregard for civilian lives. Additionally, they are exploiting civilians financially, manipulating the peace process to garner sympathy from our people. While we stand firm in our commitment to protect our people and our land against all assaults, the OLF-OLA wishes to underscore that the Oromo movement cannot be pushed into accepting a subpar political settlement through military pressure. We urge the international community to condemn the regime's attempts to control the negotiation terms through military force. Rather than perpetuating violence, we call on the regime to gear itself towards engaging in meaningful dialogue and moving towards an honorable political settlement that respects the sacrifices of our martyrs and realizes the aspirations of our people. This remains the only reliable path to enduring peace. Victory to the Oromo and All Oppressed Peoples! OLF-OLA High Command May 17th, 2023

(OLF-OLA Press Release) The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) acknowledges the statements made by Abiy Ahmed and can confirm that the Ethiopian regime has accepted our terms for peace negotiations, which include the involvement of an independent third-party mediator and a commitment to maintain transparency throughout the process. This is a crucial and positive step towards establishing a lasting peace in the region. However, the OLA strongly objects to the reference of our organization as "Shene." Our organization's name is the Oromo Liberation Army, and any other designation is incorrect and an attempt to misrepresent our identity and objectives. We urge the regime to cease disseminating this kind of disinformation. Since the beginning of this conflict, the OLA has consistently called for peaceful dialogue as the only viable solution. We have always maintained that a military solution would not bring about the desired outcomes for the Oromo people or the broader population. It is heartening to see the regime finally come to the same realization. The OLA remains unwavering in its commitment to engaging in constructive dialogue and working towards a peaceful resolution that addresses the grievances and aspirations of the Oromo people. We are hopeful that this development marks the beginning of a transformative chapter in our pursuit of justice, equality, and self-determination. The OLA strives to reach an agreement that holds both parties accountable, paving the way for a democratic society and a sustainable, enduring peace. Victory to the Oromo and All Oppressed Peoples! OLF-OLA High Command April 23rd, 2023

(OLF-OLA Press Release) Abiy Ahmed's recent statements in parliament do not accurately represent the situation regarding peace talks. The so-called attempts at contacting the OLA that he mentioned were not sincere efforts to engage with OLA leadership. Rather, the regime deployed several local mediation committees to persuade individual OLA officers to surrender, which ultimately resulted in failure. This approach is similar to the regime's unsuccessful 2019 attempt to dismantle the OLA using prominent local figures. Such actions cannot be seen as genuine attempts at peace negotiations; instead, they represent a destabilizing campaign that puts the prospects for peace at risk. Moreover, the regime should not be attempting to develop a new propaganda narrative suggesting that the OLA is too decentralized to negotiate with. The OLA's leadership is the High Command, which the regime is well aware of. We want to reiterate our ongoing commitment to dialogue and our insistence on the need for international third-party mediation to guarantee the success of any potential peace agreement. Setting aside Abiy Ahmed's ill-timed and misleading claims, there are positive signs that peace talks, with appropriate neutral international third-party mediation, will take place. We remain dedicated to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict and call on the regime to avoid jeopardizing the path to peace. Victory to the Oromo and All Oppressed Peoples! OLF-OLA High Command March 28th, 2023

On March 21st, 2023, the Oromo Liberation Army's (OLA) Southern Zone's Sodom Boro brigade repelled a surprise offensive launched by the Prosperity Party's repressive forces in a decisive engagement. The encounter took place at a distance of merely 7 kilometers from Nagele Borana after the regime's forces, who had been gathering in the city for the past month, launched an unexpected attack on the OLA. In the course of the battle, the OLA valiantly neutralized 67 enemy combatants and inflicted critical injuries on 102 others resulting in a complete retreat of enemy forces. The elimination of multiple enemy officers during the confrontation has instilled panic and distress within the regime's leadership. Additionally, a substantial quantity of armaments and equipment, including 3 Bren guns, 37 AKs, DshKA ammunition, explosives, and various other small arms, were captured by the OLA. Moreover, the OLA also captured 7 satellite phones during the engagement.

(OLF-OLA Press Release) Yesterday, on the 17th of February 2023, the president of the regional state of Oromia made a call for reconciliation in the Oromia region while addressing the regional state council. The Oromo Liberation Front – Oromo Liberation Army (OLF-OLA) has been consistent to a fault in expressing its readiness for a negotiated settlement of the war on Oromia from the get-go— most recently as part of our Brief Political Manifesto. The OLA maintains that a lasting and sustainable solution to Ethiopia’s complex political troubles can result only from a comprehensive political process that culminates in negotiated settlements. Any call for resolution of the war on Oromia through civilized discourse is therefore a welcome news. However, today’s call for peace lacks the requisite clarity and nuance to be too optimistic about the overtures of an imminent peace process in Oromia. The Ethiopian government has made several such calls for peace before, formally and informally. Today’s call is not new, both in form and substance. It did not add much to previous calls either. While details that might emerge in the days ahead are awaited, so far, the call is only a reiteration, at best. We want to draw attention to the following key aspects that any peace process ought to clarify from the beginning: The Ethiopian government has hitherto down-played the gravity of the conflict in Oromia by relegating its resolution to track-II local mediations. The OLF-OLA has unequivocally rejected this mechanism because, inter alia: In today’s polarized political landscape, finding a neutral mediator within the country is a far cry from a viable possibility. Even if, by a stoke of luck, one finds a neutral local mediator acceptable to both parties, the OLA does not believe that any local actor will be able to operate outside the sphere of influence of the government to function neutrally. Meaningful mediation requires skills, logistics, and related facilities. OLA commanders and negotiators should be moved in and out of conflict zones. The necessary security guarantees and logistics can only be sourced internationally. To be effective the process of mediation should be formalized and observed by neutral third states. Anything less will be a repeat of the failed ‘Asmara Agreement’ between the OLF and the Ethiopian government. Only international actors can be guarantors for the enforcement of mediation agreements. This is a singularly crucial requirement. Even internationally, only a handful of states are able to guarantee implementation. 2. While we recognize that the Oromia regional government should be part of a peace process that involves the region, the peace process with the OLA should however be led by the federal government. It was the federal parliament, not the regional council, that proscribed the OLA. It is also the federal army that is leading the military engagement against the OLA on the ground, not the regional forces. Therefore, a peace process with the OLA is legally and operationally beyond the purview of the Oromia regional government. 3. Technically, today’s call for peace did not address the OLA. The regional president still refers to a phantom armed group called “OLF-Shane.” Whilst this may not make much difference in substance, it did not help clarify the already multi-layered ambiguities regarding the prospect for peace and how the Ethiopian government wishes to pursue it. If the Ethiopian government is serious about resolving the war on Oromia, it should, therefore, agree to follow proper national and international mechanisms. The peace process hitherto pursued by the government is not worthy of the name! OLF-OLA High Command February 18, 2023

OLF-OLA Press Release While the international community is preoccupied with the peace deal and its implementation in northern Ethiopia, the Ethiopian government is prosecuting another major war across the Oromia region. Multiple fronts have been opened over the past month by the Ethiopian National Defense Forces and their allies across western, central, and southern Oromia. The Ethiopian government-backed Amhara regional forces have also, once again, started a campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Wollo Oromo in the Amhara region since January 15, 2023. The latest campaign, like the previous ones, purportedly aims at wiping out the ghostly terrorist group called “Shane” from among the civilian population. In this campaign, on January 15, 2023, Amhara Special Forces attacked civilians in the Jille Dhumuga district of the Oromia Special Zone and killed 8 Oromo civilians. The next day, January 16, another attack by Amhara Special Forces left over 68 Oromo civilians killed and 52 wounded in the same district. The violence against Wollo Oromos remains unabated to this day and the actual casualty figures are very likely to rise. While hate crimes and the desire to cleanse Oromos from Wollo have long been pervasive, the Ethiopian government is also notorious for treating civilian lives as disposable chess pieces, for matters big and trivial alike. The recent organized attacks against civilians in Wollo, parts of eastern Oromia in Jarso and Chinaksan, and throughout the Oromia region have the hallmarks of the Prosperity Party government’s callous disregard for human lives that are all but normalized over the past four years. The OLF-OLA calls upon the Oromo people and all peace-loving Ethiopians to stand in solidarity with the victims of this horrific violence and their families in Wollo and throughout the Oromia region. The international community should do its part by (a) bringing to bear the necessary pressure on the Ethiopian authorities and putting an end to the carnage in Oromia; (b) making peace in Oromia among its top priorities in the Horn of Africa region and one of its key preconditions to normalizing relations with the Ethiopian authorities. The recent attacks in Wollo took place in various localities. The following are the ultimate victims that we have verified so far: OLF-OLA High Command January 25, 2023

The long-standing quest of our people for democratic self-rule has been one of the key demands that undergirded major changes in Ethiopia over the past sixty years. While the movements that led to changes in governments have not transformed the state of the Oromo question, they have however brought the Oromo issue to the mainstream agenda in Ethiopian political life. However, over the past few years, confusion regarding the main agenda and agency of the OLA has been equally pervasive. Illumination is thus needed on these key issues and regarding the way forward. To clarify some of these matters of concern, a short piece titled A Brief Political Manifesto: from Armed Struggle to the Prospect for Peace is hereby published. OLF-OLA High Command January 23, 2023 Press Release (PDF): January 2023 Manifesto: Website Link PDF -