Likewise, we understand the importance of an alliance for the Tigray people and the TPLF. We understand that Tigray should have bilateral agreements with the powers that be in order to guard against the possibility of being besieged once again. We stand in solidarity with them in their fight against the regime that committed genocide on them before and is committing it now. But we also want them to understand why we won’t unconditionally stand with Faannoo.
They need to understand that standing with Faannoo is like formally inviting them and supporting them in their continuing genocidal war in Oromia. It is like supporting PP’s regime in its war against our people and the peoples beyond Oromia. For us, there is no difference between the two, as both are engaged in active genocidal wars against the Oromo. Ours has been the unfortunate task of fighting the same war from two sides that fell out with each other on ways of ‘disciplining” and subjugating Oromos and the other others of Ethiopia.
Finally, about the individuals who have entered into this Alliance in the name of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA): Let it be known to all that these individuals (such as Marroo Dirribaa and Jireenyaa Guddataa) are trying to get the legitimacy they have long lost in the army by seeking recognition from outside. For over a year, this group has severed its relationship with the commanders, the EXECUTIVE TEAM (aka Gumii Shanee) and has been hiding from members who ask questions. Operating mostly from outside Oromia, they have been dividing and destabilising the army, assassinating and marginalising commanders who raise questions and seek clarification, conspiring with enemies (twice with the PP Regime and for over a year with Faannoo), and are now joining Fannoo to enable this new chapter of genocidal war on our peoples. The request by the leadership to hold a Congress, assess the situation, and correct their mistakes fell on deaf ears.
The result is what we see now: the treasonous individuals forming an unprincipled alliance with Fannoo in the name of OLA which the vast majority of the army (I can say almost all except the stoodges and assassins serving Marroo) is standing against.
The Alliance that was supposed to shorten the days of the PP regime is probably contributing to the prolonging of the life of PP in power—if only unwittingly. This is because the people, disappointed by the mistake these individuals are making (in entering into an alliance with Fannoo) seem to be drifting away by the day to support Abiy’s regime rather than the Alliance. This is happening despite the best of our efforts making a call to the people to reject the false choice offered to the Oromo public (to side with either Fanno or PP).
For the Oromo and the peoples of the wider south, the two are one and the same except the difference in (their current physical) position. And the choice before us is a false choice. Our task is to fight these forces wherever, whenever, until our peoples achieve the freedom they deserve.