A thank you letter to U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Ambassador Mike Hammer for meeting with members of the Oromo community on May 10th, 2023.
U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa
U.S. Department of State
2201 C St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20520
May 22, 2023
Dear Ambassador Hammer,
On behalf of the Oromo communities, the Oromo Legacy Leadership & Advocacy Association (OLLAA) writes to you and your office to express our sincere appreciation for your efforts in engaging the Oromo communities, including a May 10th, 2023, meeting that took place in Los Angeles California. These discussions, which focused on the secession of hostilities, transitional justice, inclusive dialogue, and humanitarian assistance, shed light on the crucial issues while highlighting the need for concerted action to expand the peace throughout Ethiopia. Such dialogue is a crucial step towards addressing the many conflicts inside Ethiopia and could be used as momentum by the U.S. Government to press for lasting peace. We are impressed by your comprehensive knowledge of the socio-political landscape in Ethiopia and your unwavering commitment to promoting peace, justice, and development for all Ethiopians. Your dedication to being available to foster the dialogue between the Ethiopian government and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) is commendable and serves as an inspiration to all represented Oromo communities during the discussion.
Since 2016, OLLAA has operated as an umbrella organization, collaborating with over 50 Oromo communities throughout the world and frequently working in coalition with other advocacy organizations that represent various ethnic groups across Ethiopia2. OLLAA has provided expert analysis to numerous international media outlets and key decision-makers about the human rights and humanitarian situation facing the Oromo, and works with members of the UN International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia, the African Commission on Human and Peoplesā Rights, the U.S. House Subcommittee on Africa, and the UN Special Rapporteur on minority issues in addition to Australian and EU Parliaments, and Special Envoy office.
OLLAA and the Oromo communities appreciate the efforts and attention the U.S. Government has already devoted to tackling the conflict in northern Ethiopia and the critical human rights andĀ humanitarian crisis in Oromia. However, in light of the recent escalation in fightingĀ between the Ethiopian Government and OLA, more urgent attention is needed to settle the conflict in Oromia, which has become the primary source of instability for the whole country, while not losing track of accountability.
OLLAA and the Oromo communities urge your office to put greater pressure on the Ethiopian Government to peacefully settle the conflict in Oromia by immediately commencing the second round of dialogue. This dialogue stage should prioritize ending hostility, followed by an expanded discussion inclusive of different groups, including opposition parties, civil societies, and advocacy organizations. Prioritizing a ceasefire to end the ongoing violence will pave the way for broadening dialogue addressing past injustice and historical grievances and building lasting peace.
Once again, OLLAA and the Oromo communities thank you for your valuable contributions and dedication to promoting peace in Ethiopia. We welcome the opportunity to meet your office and coordinate with the leaders of the U.S. Oromo diaspora communities.
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Signatories:
Oromo Legacy Leadership and Advocacy AssociationĀ
Oromo Community of Arizona, AZ
Oromo Community Association Of Chicago, ILĀ
Oromo Community of Michigan, MI
Portland Oromo Community Association, ORĀ
Boston Oromo Community, MA
Oromo Community of Sioux Falls, SDĀ
Oromo Community of St. Louis, MO
Oromo Community of Los Angeles and Area Inc, CA
Oromo Community of Northern California, CA
CA United Oromo Community of Georgia, GA
Oromo Community of Las Vegas, NV
Oromo Community of Memphis, TN
Oromo Community of Tampa Bay Inc. FL
Oromo Community of Jacksonville N. Florida, FLĀ
Oromo Community of Seattle, WA
Oromo Community of Iowa, IO
Oromo Diaspora Association of New York, NY
Oromo Community of Nashville, TN
Union of Oromo Communities in Germany
Gurmuu Oromo in Sweden
The Federation of Oromo Civic Organizations in AustraliaĀ
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