Mekelle፡ 12 August 2024 (Tigray Herald)
Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) release statement condemning General Birhanu Jula recent statements of accusing ONLF being created by Egypt to attack Ethiopia
ONLF Condemns Unacceptable Provocations and Demands Immediate
Clarification from the Ethiopian Government
The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) strongly condemns the recent
provocative statements attributed to General Berhanų Jula, Chief of Staff of
the Ethiopian National Defence Forces, in which ONLF is described as an
enemy of the Ethiopian state allegedly created by Egypt. A video aired on
Ethio-Forum on September 8, 2024, and circulated on YouTube, showed
General Jula allegedly making these statements, which we consider not only
unfounded but also a blatant attack on the integrity and legality of ONLF as
a recognized political party.
ONLF was founded to create an independent organization free from
interference from any quarter and answerable solely to the Somali people in
Ogaden. This mission arose after the self-determination cause of the Somali
people in Ogaden was misinterpreted as a mere dispute and border conflict
between Somalia and Ethiopia. ONLF answers to its people and no one else,
ever.
ONLF is a legally registered political party that signed a peace agreement
with the Ethiopian government on October 21,2018, in Asmara, Eritrea. This
agreement marked a new chapter of cooperation and mutual respect aimed
at fostering peace and stability in Ethiopia, particularly in the Somali region.
The agreement clearly states the commitment of both parties to “end
hostilities towards each other” and that ONLF shall pursue its political
objectives through peaceful means, with assurances that the Federal
Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) will respect and uphold the
provisions of its Constitution.
Jabhadda Waddaniga Xoreynta Ogaadeeniya (Wxo)
Ogaden National Liberation
Front (ONLE)
The accusations made in the video directly contradict the spirit and letter of
this peace agreement, and they constitute a serious provocation that
undermines the ongoing peace process.
ONLF calls on the Ethiopian government and General Berhanu Jula to
immediately clarify the authenticity of this video and to publicly repudiate
the statement if it is found to be doctored or misrepresented. If the
statement is indeed genuine, the Ethiopian government must provide a
clear and prompt response disassociating itself from this harmful rhetoric,
and reaffirm its commitment to the peace agreement, specifically the
cessation of hostilities clause.
Failure to address this issue promptly will be considered a serious breach of
the peace agreement by the Ethiopian government. Such a breach would
signify that the government no longer recognizes ONLF as a legitimate
political party but rather as an enemy combatant, which would have severe
implications for the peace process and the security of all parties involved.
ONLF reiterates its commitment to the peace agreement and to continuing
the pursuit of the Somali people’s right to self-determination, as recognized
by international laws and the Ethiopian Constitution, through non-violent
political means. However, we will not accept any actions or statements that
undermine our legal status or the trust built through our peace accord.
Silence or inaction from the Ethiopian government will not be acceptable
and will force ONLF to reassess its position and actions moving forward.
We urge the Ethiopian government to act swiftly and responsibly to resolve
this matter in the interests of peace and stability. We await an official and
unambiguous response from the government, failing which ONLF will take
the necessary steps to protect its rights and interests as outlined in the peace
agreement.
