Falls Church, Virginia (1/19/2022) – OLLAA would like to thank Senator Booker for issuing a statement on Recent Developments in Ethiopia on January 18, 2022. OLLAA applauds Senator Booker for his focus on ensuring that human rights are protected throughout the country, and believes that this statement will help to advance U.S. foreign policy on Ethiopia. We particularly welcome his comments regarding the continuing air strikes in Oromia and Tigray; on the need to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches all persons in need, both in Tigray and throughout the country; and regarding the recent decision by the Ethiopian government to release several prominent political prisoners, including Jawar Mohammed and Bekele Gerba, while continuing to pressure the Ethiopian government to release all political prisoners.
At the same time, OLLAA must note its reservations regarding the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, which Senator Booker endorsed in his statement. While we agree with Senator Booker’s comments that representatives of all major ethnic and political groups must be brought together for an inclusive dialogue designed to chart a democratic path forward for the country, OLLAA has serious concerns about the effectiveness of this Commission. Reports indicate that this dialogue would not include representatives of the TPLF or the OLA, and that members of the Ethiopian government will appoint the Commissioners who will lead the NDC. OLLAA fears that the Ethiopian government, which is led by a single political party, lacks the impartiality necessary to form a Commission capable of serving as a neutral arbiter and convener for such a dialogue. As such, OLLAA will continue to call for the establishment of a truly independent dialogue, led by neutral, or agreed upon, arbiters, which we see as essential in order to ensure long lasting peace and stability in the region.
OLLAA is an umbrella organization that represents Oromo communities around the world.