Oromo Dialogue Forum (ODF) Admirer, Opposition, Activist, or Opportunist?

by Qeeranso Boru

When I saw the article posted by ODF, titled “A statement on the passing away of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi” I was a bit reluctant to go through the whole statement. But something have captured my attention , as I slowly glanced through I became consumed by the contents this article have in store for the opposition groups already gaining momentum in strengthening their capability in showing themselves to the International arena.

The ODF narrates that the Prime Minister Meles Zenawi have left behind a “conflicting legacy” and that this internal and external conflicts are to be resolved by convening an inclusive National Convention. Yes, this is a noble idea that have been tested in the past many times but failed to materialize, even in the presence of the foreigners. Understandably, all opposition parties, civic organizations and human right activists have come to join hand in hand to form one unified force to convince the International community and diplomatic representatives to exert any pressure to give a peace a chance and allow peoples of Ethiopia to exercise its basic rights. But as we have witnessed it has taken 21 years without any hope for the Nations and Nationalities of Ethiopia to see the true democracy.

The inclusive National Convention seems to be hoping to achieve the ever yearning peace and stability in Ethiopia by simply going ahead for a dialogue, while the case is not simplified as the forum dreams. The incumbent government is and will function with the same Meles mentality as they have vowed to do so after a serious preparation for the past two months in absence of Prime Minister. So , learning the ODF’s well articulated and carefully devised article is just as beautiful as the well crafted Woyane Constitution with no practicability , because while Meles shunned the dialogue in Ethiopia to resolve conflicts , the ODF now thinks it can seek an easy way out to convince and thus sit and negotiate with the Meles’ regime full of blood on their hands.

So, is this opportunistic or connivance with the left over Woyane regime and its puppets?

Recently I recall the opposition parties have formed an ally to strengthen their struggle against Meles regime to bring a lasting change in that country. The Joint Statement by eleven Political and Civic Group looks promising as it strives for a common goal before jumping for a dialogue with the incumbent brutal regime. The ruling party should be uprooted and dismantled for a true democracy to prevail , but it is unheard of that the ODF call for a dialogue of the regime that have been a complicit to Meles’ atrocities to be invited for a dialogue.

ODF, shall I call it an activist! No it did not fit as it has not been seen or have proven itself in public to see the need for change and having isolated from the diversity and unity call will provoke one to view your move as opportunistic, to draw attention of the oppressed to amass around you does not come easy , you have to earn their trust to form an opposition, otherwise coming up with new idea and putting that new idea into action collectively with participating Nations and Nationalities of Ethiopia will triumph without any doubt.

Qeeranso Boru, August 23, 2012
qeeransob@gmail.com