Ethiopian Ogaden rebel leadership appraises action plan
Mareeg, Aug 21 - The fourth plenary session of the Central Committee of the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) was held from 22 July to 30 July 2008.
The meeting's agenda focused on several issues of significance to the struggle of the Somali people of Ogaden [in southeastern Ethiopia] and explored a variety of strategies to overcome the challenges faced by the front.
The session analysed, at length, the situation in the Horn of Africa, global political realities, particularly the current situation in Ogaden. The session reviewed the progress made in advancing the struggle since the last Central Committee session. It was agreed that the movement made significant progress towards its goals during the period under review, with operational objectives being implemented as expected.
The Central Committee welcomed the progress made during the period in the military, political and social arena. The session also noted the steadfastness, sacrifice and courage of the people of Ogaden despite the inhumane blockade and continuing war crimes perpetrated by the army of Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF [dominant party in the ruling coalition])-led Ethiopian regime.
The session also appraised the strategic and operational capability of the Ogaden National Liberation Army (ONLA) and highly commended the numerous victories of the ONLA despite overwhelming odds. Furthermore, the session praised the people in the Diaspora for their steadfastness in support of the struggle in raising the awareness of the international community regarding the atrocities perpetrated by the regime in Ethiopia.
The session took stock of the weakness of the TPLF regime militarily, politically and economically and noting that the regime stands only due to external support, particularly from donor countries.
It was also highlighted that there are now signs that the TPLF regime's policy of expansionism and suppression of the will of the peoples of the Horn of Africa is beginning to unravel. The TPLF regime has also failed in its invasion of Somalia and suppression of the various peoples under its tyrannical rule. Furthermore, its unjust sinister designs on its neighbouring countries are destabilizing the Horn of Africa.
After extensive discussions and analysis, the fourth ordinary session of the Central Committee reached significant conclusions and finalized a comprehensive strategic plan of action aimed at advancing the struggle in the military, political and organizational arena, with an eye towards promoting cooperation and coordination among other struggling peoples in the Horn of Africa. As such, the following was resolved:
1. To strengthen and build upon the successes in mobilizing the population both inside and outside of Ogaden;
2. To strengthen the unity and solidarity of the people in Ogaden in order to counter the programmes and initiatives of the enemy;
3. To strengthen and promote the cooperation and coordination of the forces of the oppressed peoples of the Horn of Africa against the tyrannical regime of [Prime Minister] Meles Zenawi;
4. To boost diplomatic and informational efforts of the national liberation struggle.
The fourth ordinary session of the Central Committee also condemned:
1. The continuing war crimes and crimes against humanity perpetrated by the TPLF regime against the Somali people of Ogaden, including extrajudicial killings, torture, rape and forced displacement;
2. The atrocities against the brotherly people of Somalia committed on a daily basis by the TPLF regime, and it's sinister policy aimed at preventing the re-establishment of a legitimate Somali state;
3. The policy of the TPLF regime characterized by territorial expansion and hostile action towards its neighbours;
4. All acts of state sponsored terrorism planned and executed by the TPLF regime.