Beyond the Ballot Box: ABO Calls for Inclusive Dialogue as Ethiopia’s 7th Election Looms
In a sweeping declaration, the Oromo Liberation Front (ABO) has charted a course that transcends electoral politics, positioning itself as a champion of comprehensive national dialogue rather than a mere participant in Ethiopia’s upcoming 7th round of elections.
“Rakkoon Biyya keenya qabatee jiru, Filannoo qofaan kan furamu osoo hin taane, Marii hunda galeessa barbaada” — “The problems gripping our country cannot be solved by elections alone; we need inclusive dialogue.”
This powerful assertion forms the cornerstone of the ABO’s latest communiqué, issued from Finfinnee on June 22, 2026, as the party reflects on its participation in the electoral process while maintaining its commitment to peaceful struggle and national reconciliation.
A Dual Path Forward
The ABO’s statement reveals a nuanced position: while the party has engaged in the electoral mechanisms established by the electoral board, it maintains that genuine solutions to Ethiopia’s multifaceted crises require far more than ballot box outcomes. The party emphasizes that genuine, transparent dialogue involving all stakeholders must be conducted without undue time constraints.
“We have participated in Ethiopia’s 7th election, fulfilling our obligations and addressing gaps through our communications to the public,” the statement reads. “We have achieved this; there is no doubt.”
Yet beneath this measured tone lies a persistent critique of the electoral process itself. The ABO has raised concerns about irregularities and submitted complaints to the Electoral Board — though they express skepticism about whether these grievances have been properly investigated with the depth and fairness the situation demands.
The Cost of Participation
In a particularly striking passage, the ABO acknowledges the sacrifices made by its members and supporters throughout the campaign period. Despite challenging circumstances, the party has maintained its presence in various election-related forums, demonstrating resilience in the face of obstacles.
“ABO members, the public, and security forces who endured difficulties during the ‘choose me’ campaign are thanked for their support,” the statement declares.
This recognition of grassroots sacrifice underscores the party’s broader narrative: that meaningful political participation often comes at great personal cost, yet remains essential for those committed to democratic transformation.
A Warning to Political Rivals
Perhaps most significantly, the ABO’s statement delivers a pointed warning to both victorious parties and perceived adversaries. The party cautions that electoral victory alone cannot resolve Ethiopia’s fundamental challenges, suggesting that those who believe otherwise risk perpetuating cycles of conflict and instability.
“Those who have won through elections must not believe that winning and gaining power alone can solve the country’s problems,” the statement warns. “They must demonstrate genuine commitment, determination, and resolve to resolve the crises through justice and truth, so that Oromia may find peace.”
The ABO particularly singles out the “Tsimdoo” forces, described as political and military groups operating from the North against Oromia and the Oromo people. “What are they coming to bring to the Oromo people?” the statement asks, urging clear-eyed reflection on the consequences of continued conflict.
Unity and Peace as Paramount Goals
Throughout the communiqué, the ABO returns to themes of unity and peace as essential prerequisites for meaningful progress. The party calls for strengthened unity among Oromo political parties through dialogue, suggesting that a unified Oromo front represents the best defense against external threats.
The statement also demands the release of political prisoners and detainees held without proper legal proceedings, framing this as a fundamental matter of justice and human rights.
“Security and unity in Oromia are serious matters that cannot be ignored,” the ABO insists, calling on Gadaa leaders and religious institutions to continue their crucial work toward peace and unity in the region.
Looking Forward
Despite its criticisms, the ABO maintains that it harbors no regrets about participating in the electoral process. The party reaffirms its commitment to the path of peaceful struggle and ideological competition, promising to strengthen and expand the space for political engagement.
“The door for ideological competition has been opened small and must be strengthened and widened,” the statement concludes. “Others must work to achieve this.”
As Ethiopia approaches this pivotal election, the ABO’s message serves as both a call to action and a cautionary tale: that democracy requires more than elections, peace requires more than power, and the nation’s future demands participation from all its diverse voices.
Adda Bilisummaa Oromoo
June 22, 2026
Finfinnee
‘An Avoidable War’: Oromo Federalist Congress Demands Immediate Action Amid Escalating Mass Atrocities in Oromia
By Oromia News Agency
FINFINNE, OROMIA– The Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) has issued an urgent and deeply alarming statement condemning the escalating wave of mass killings, civilian displacement, and identity-based violence that has gripped the Oromia region of Ethiopia. The party, which has long been a voice for federalism and the rights of the Oromo people, expressed profound grief and anger over what it describes as a systematic campaign of violence that is spreading to new areas with unprecedented ferocity.
In a detailed press release, the OFC highlighted that the conflict, once confined to certain areas, has now expanded into central and eastern parts of the region. Specifically, the party points to the districts of Arsi, East Shewa, and West Hararghe as the latest theaters of brutal violence. The statement describes a “coordinated attack” in the Asako district of East Arsi, where civilians were reportedly targeted regardless of their ethnicity or religion, with both Amhara and Oromo, Christians and Muslims, falling victim to the bloodshed.
A Crisis of Displacement and Suffering
The humanitarian situation detailed by the OFC paints a picture of a population in despair. The party reports that in the Seru district, a systematic burning campaign has destroyed entire villages, displacing an estimated 17,000 households. Tens of thousands of vulnerable citizens have been forced to flee to remote and inhospitable areas, including dense forests and deserts. The press release described harrowing accounts of mothers giving birth alone in the wilderness, and children dying from cold, hunger, and lack of basic medical care .
The OFC’s statement squarely blames the violence on a complex and chaotic mix of actors. “The peaceful people of Oromia are currently being subjected to horrific massacres in the war between the government and armed groups,” the statement reads. It further expresses deep concern over the proliferation of splinter groups, opportunistic bandits, and counterfeit armed factions operating under various names.
The Weaponization of Identity
A key element of the OFC’s alarm is the deliberate strategy of using identity as a weapon of war. The party vehemently condemns what it calls the “cynical and dangerous” tactic of orchestrating violence to pit communities against one another—killing Christians to blame Muslims, and vice versa, or igniting conflict between Amhara and Oromo civilians. The press release warns that this strategy is a calculated attempt to dismantle the social fabric of the region for narrow political gain. “In this atmosphere of chaos, fueled by finger-pointing and mutual suspicion, truth is obscured and accountability has vanished entirely,” the statement declared .
A Call for an End to the Military-Only Approach
After eight years of military campaigns, the OFC argues that the government’s reliance on a purely military solution has proven to be a catastrophic failure, only multiplying the number and types of armed groups and leading to more civilian casualties. The party asserts that the primary, constitutional, and moral duty to protect its citizens lies with the government. “A government that has failed to protect its most vulnerable citizens has failed in its most fundamental duty,” the statement proclaims.
Urgent Demands from the OFC
To stop the bloodshed and prevent further catastrophe, the OFC has issued four urgent demands :
- An Immediate Cessation of Attacks on Civilians: The party calls on all parties to the conflict—including the Ethiopian National Defense Force, regional forces, all government-affiliated militias, and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA)—to strictly adhere to international humanitarian law and immediately cease all attacks on non-combatants.
- Unrestricted Humanitarian Access: The OFC demands that federal and regional governments, as well as armed opposition groups, immediately open pathways for unrestricted humanitarian aid to reach the affected populations. It stresses the need for emergency food, shelter, and medical supplies for the displaced in severely affected districts like Seru, Asako, Merti, and Heben Arsi.
- An Independent International Investigation: Given the complexity and the conflicting narratives surrounding the violence, the OFC is calling for an urgent, independent, and transparent international investigation. The party argues that domestic institutions alone cannot ensure impartiality and accountability. It proposes an investigation involving the UN Human Rights Council and independent domestic human rights bodies to identify the true perpetrators of these horrific acts .
- An Inclusive Political Solution: The OFC reiterates its firm stance that the root cause of the conflict is political and cannot be resolved through force of arms. The party calls for the immediate commencement of urgent, inclusive, and unconditional political dialogue and negotiation to achieve a lasting, negotiated solution.
The Oromo Federalist Congress concluded its statement with a stark warning: “The people of Oromia must not continue to be used as pawns in a political gamble. The bloodshed must end, the rule of law must be respected, and genuine political dialogue must begin immediately.”
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