Oromo Legacy Leadership and Advocacy Association (OLLAA) is a nonprofit and nonpolitical organization that seeks to advocate for human rights, peace, and development by collaborating globally with like-minded entities (OLLAA, 2021c). As an umbrella organization, we collaborate with dozens of Oromo communities worldwide and other advocacy organizations representing various ethnic groups across Ethiopia (OLLAA, 2021d). In the past, OLLAA has worked with members of the U.S. Congress to support the adoption of resolutions related to the human rights situation in Ethiopia (Testimony, 2017; OLLAA, 2022a), provided expert analysis to numerous international media outlets (OLLAA, ABOUT) and key decision-makers (ኢ..,2023). We have also filed cases and provided reports to the U.N. International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (OLLAA, 2022c), the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (OLLAA, 2022d), and the U.N. Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues (OLLAA, 2023c). 

Vision

We work for a peaceful and prosperous Horn of Africa where members of all ethnic groups can practice their cultures and ways of life without discrimination. 

Mission 

Is to document, promote and advocate for human rights, peace, and democracy in Ethiopia.

Values  

■ Human rights and democracy – Justice and respect for human rights are required for a functioning democracy. We are committed to documenting human rights violations in southern Ethiopia. Today, as democracy and democratic values are under attack, it is important to connect to indigenous values. We aim to promote inter-community dialogues that will allow Ethiopians to harness the best parts of both indigenous and modern democratic processes, creating a democracy that is uniquely Ethiopian and, therefore, responsive to the country’s needs.. 

■ Peace and development – In Ethiopia and beyond, we have seen that there is no development without peace and vice versa. Where there is no justice, there is no peace. We thus work with institutions and communities to build bridges that promote peace and justice, forming a solid foundation for sustainable, inclusive development. 

■ Women’s and indigenous rights – Our work is informed by the Gadaa system, the Oromos’ traditional democratic system. Gadaa’s emphasis on egalitarianism, peace, and coexistence with the environment makes it a valuable framework for dealing with modern challenges. We embody these principles through our work, advocating for women’s participation in the peace process and respect for traditional land use practices. 

■ Volunteerism – Still dogged by colonial legacies, many African societies are in a state of confusion, stuck between indigenous traditions and modern practice. Lack of opportunity drives young people to seek livelihoods elsewhere, and those left behind sometimes resort to crime or violence without the community support they need to thrive. Developing a culture of volunteerism among Africa’s youth can restore a sense of purpose and pride in their identities. We partner with educational and other institutions to recruit volunteers. We would not be able to accomplish all that we do without our volunteers, so we are proud to support their dreams and aspirations by helping them build relationships and try new skills or providing recommendation letters to further their careers.