FRONT FOR INDEPENDENCE OF OROMIA (FIO ) KALLACHA WOLABUMMAA OROMIYA LAKK: kwo-084-205 GUYYAA :Mud.12, 2015 FRONT FOR INDEPENDENCE OF OROMIA REF.NO : fio-084-2015 DATE : December 12,2015 I. PREMABLE WHEREAS the struggle of the independence of Oromia must be promoted. The Oromo people must struggle for development, progress and national liberation so as to achieve their right and honorable place among the nations of the world; RECOGNIZING that the inevitable victory over colonialism comes as the result of a strong, qualified, effective organization and leadership that unswervingly stands for the liberation of Oromia; REITERATING the fact that unity of the Oromo people is needed more than anytime. It is this unity that our enemy does not want to see and hear. An alliances and strong struggle relationship based on common goal with other nations and nationalities in the Ethiopian Empire, especially with those who are under the yoke of the Colonial system needs to be rebuilt. UNDERSTANDING inalienable right of national self -determination of the Oromo people to regain their fundamental freedom is in line with the principle enshrined in universal declaration of UN charter WHEREAS the Oromo People must be united, organized, consolidated and mobilized against colonial and national oppression; UNDERSTANDING the indispensability of a principled, dedicated, organized, determined and disciplined national revolutionary democratic organization and a visionary leadership that rallies the cross-section of the Oromo people to liberation and independence; Wajira.kwo@gmail.com 1
AND WHEREAS a resolution was passed by the conference of the interim and organizing National Council of OLF authorizing the organizational name change from OROMO LIBERATION FRONT to FRONT FOR INDEPENCE OF OROMIA/FIO We therefore assume the historical responsibility of laying the foundation of FRONT FOR INDEPENCE OF OROMIA/FIO effective as of August 2, 2015. II. POLITICAL PROGRAM OF FIO VISION OF FIO: 1. Establish an independent Democratic Republic of Oromia 2. Create a qualified, competent, national revolutionary democratic liberation organization and leadership that can assemble and direct a broad spectrum of the people of Oromia to victory by mobilizing the material, spiritual, moral and financial resources of the nation. 3. Ensure the national sovereignty of the people of Oromia--an unswerving belief in the supremacy of law. 4. Guarantee the territorial indivisibility of Oromia. 5. Ensure the sovereignty of the popularly elected Oromian state. MISSION OF FIO: The mission of FIO is to dismantle the Ethiopian Colonial system, liberate the Oromo people languishing under the tyranny of Abyssinian colonial oppression, and replace it with the just system in which the right of the Oromo people to national self- determination is fully recognized and realized. The right of every Oromo to life, liberty, and prosperity shall be restored. Freedom shall be for all citizens of Oromia. THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF FIO The following shall be the guiding principle of FIO: Wajira.kwo@gmail.com 2
1. An unconditional recognition of the legitimate right of the people of Oromia to selfdetermination which practically means the realization of national independence and the removal of the Ethiopian colonial state. 2. The observance of human rights in the post-colonial Oromia 3. The full realization of the democratic rights of the citizens of Oromia-under the INDEPENDENT DEMOCRATIC REBUBLIC OF OROMIA 4. The observance of international laws and conventions 5. The basement complex on which the Oromo struggle is built is Oromo nationalism or Oromummaa-one indissoluble nation with one future and destiny. FIO shall endeavor for the creation of a democratic society anchored on Gada democracy and directed by the principle of justice and Rule of Law. 6. The people of Oromia shall be the supreme authority and determine the final political status of the future of the nation through a free and democratic process. 7. FIO is a secular national revolutionary democratic organization and treats all religions and faiths equally. There shall never be affiliation between state and religion. 8. FIO recognizes the right of other nationalities in Oromia to determine their own destiny without any intimidation and coercion POLITICAL OBJECTIVES OF FIO: The fundamental Objective of Oromo struggles is the realization of the unconditional liberation of Oromia and relieves Oromo people from all forms of oppression. This can only be achieved through the successful consummation of anti-colonial resistance, anti-international force of reaction and oppression and by establishment of the INDEPENDENT DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF OROMIA 1. To form an Independent Democratic Republic of Oromia whose authorities will be elected by the people at all level of government and all power vests on by the people of Oromo. 2. To ensure all citizens of Oromia unconditional right to pursue life and liberty and protect the right of assembly, expression, manifestation and organization according to the constitution crafted to ensure these rights 3. To institute a secular government that respects the equality of all religions and beliefs and to curtail those religious activities dangerous to stability and harmonious co-existence of peoples of all races and faith. Wajira.kwo@gmail.com 3
4. To set up legal system that is free from the influence of executive body and guarantee fundamental human right, not only of those who are citizens but also of those who seek refuge due to the absence of the rule of law in the country of their birth. FORM OF STRUGGLE OF FIO: 1. FIO shall pursue a politico-military strategy in the struggle against the Ethiopian colonial and oppressive regime. 2. FIO recognizes political and military forms of struggles as inseparable and the two sides of the same coin and coordinates the two-facets of struggle in removing the Ethiopian colonial bureaucratic state machinery from power. FIO shall endeavor to co-ordinate political, military and diplomatic forms of struggles 3. FIO shall reeducate, retrain, re-discipline and reorganize Oromia Liberation Army and transform it into a highly formidable, invincible and effective fighting force. Special attention shall be given to raising the combat capability of OLA. 4. FIO shall promote the strategy of maximizing friends and minimizing enemies of the struggle for the independence of Oromia. 5. Educate the people of Oromo in Oromummaa and Gadaa identities. Enable them to rebuild indigenous Gadaa institutions. 6. Organize and mobilize popular anti-colonial civil disobedience and remove the Ethiopian colonial regime. 7. FIO shall enact a relentless struggle against the oppressive Ethiopian regime. 8. FIO shall work to win diplomatic, political and economic support and solidarity from international community. FIO will also enhance the legitimate right of the Oromo people in exercising their natural and human rights. 9. FIO shall expose the perpetration of human right against the Oromo and other oppressed people in the Empire. It will work to effectively influence the international community in making economic and diplomatic sanction against the oppressive regime. DEMOCRACY: There is no democracy in the Ethiopian Empire, and the reason is the empire nature of the state itself. Our front will work tirelessly to ensure full democracy within itself and Oromia. Wajira.kwo@gmail.com 4
FIO fights for full democratic rights of Oromia citizens. FIO fights for genuine multi party political system in Oromia. Freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom of assembly, freedom of selfexpression/demonstration and freedom of association must be respected without limitation. In the Republic of Oromia, power belongs to the people. In Oromia, group and individual democratic rights will be respected. Group rights should not mask the individual rights as the individual right shall not undermine group rights. Free, transparent and fair elections are the only means to hold and to come to power in Oromia. HUMAN RIGHTS, LIBERTY, JUSTICE AND EQUALITY: FIO shall observe and implement the UN s Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Particularly FIO will abolish : All anti-human right laws imposed by the repressive regime of wayyane Torturing of detained people. Arbitrary arrest. The state of intimidation and bullying. FIO fights for fully established constitutional court. The judiciary is free from the executive. The rule of law shall prevail in Oromia. Neither the state nor a citizen is above the law and all are equal in front of the court of law. No discrimination of any kind that are against the norm of the society are allowed in Oromia. Government shall not interfere in religious matters; and religion also shall not interfere in state matters. All religions will be treated equally. There shall be no un-lawful imprisonment, harassment and coercion in Oromia NATIONS AND NATIONALITIES IN THE ETHIOPIAN EMPIRE: FIO believes that the Ethiopian Empire was founded, by violently crushing the rights of the Oromo and other nationalities. FIO further believes that the empire is colonial by nature and should be abolished for the free will and decision of all nations and nationalities to prevail. Wajira.kwo@gmail.com 5
FIO believes that the Oromo people share common values, cultures and historical heritages with many nations and nationalities. The Oromo people share not only borders but also common social and economic bonds. FIO thus believes that the rights of different nations and nationalities should be respected as its own rights. FIO thus respects the complete rights of all nation and nationalities and cooperates in any form with these nations as deemed necessary on mutual and equal ground. FIO does not interfere in internal affairs of other nations and nationalities. FOREIGN POLICY: 1. FIO shall indefinitely work on international diplomatic forum against the monopoly information of the Ethiopian colonial regime. 2. FIO shall pursue the policy of non-interference into the internal affairs of other nations 3. FIO shall establish friendly relations with the neighboring countries and engage in bilateral and multi-lateral treaties and agreement that are mutually advantageous for every party in the agreements and treaties. ECONOMIC POLICIES: FIO fights for just market economy that protects the interest of Oromo people. FIO struggles for genuine market economy that is robust and responsible where the lead player is Oromo private sector. FIO will build a just economic system under which no one can fail and will purge a corruption at all levels. FIO will build a just economic system in which the Oromia national wealth distribution is equitable. THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT: FIO believes that the role of the government is creating and enabling socio-economic system for Citizens, the provision of competent education, health and security. FIO implement policies that limit the government to the sector of economy. Wajira.kwo@gmail.com 6
FIO develop policies that help the government to focus on the areas of the economy where, the private sectors cannot venture. The design and implementation of a just tax system is sole role of government. FIO will make sure that unjust economic system and relation will be destroyed, sustainable and rapid economic growth plan shall be designed and implemented, and injustices of 100 years fully shall be removed from the economy and the society. LAND POLICY: FIO vigorously fight for the full restoration of Oromo Land to the Oromo people and believes that Oromo land belongs to the Oromo people. FIO believes that all lands taken from Oromo farmers for national development such as mining, dam building, and other infrastructure shall be reviewed whether they were adequately compensated. If found inadequately compensated, the FIO will compensate the remaining amount. A development plan shall be developed by each Oromian city after vigorous public hearings and approval. FIO believes that government will appropriately compensate for the land it may have to take from people for national development. FIO reiterate that the freedom of Oromo people begins by owning, protecting, developing and managing their land. FIO will implement a policy that will reevaluate those large size lands taken by multi-nationals through land grab. FIO believes that agricultural sector shall mainly be driven by farmers with the encouragement of private sector modernization of the agro industry FIO implements agricultural policy that is free market oriented. The role of government is only on training, introduction of new technology, financial and technical support system development, research and education. GREEN REVOLUTION: FIO will work tirelessly to stop environmental degradation and take appropriate measure of environmental rehabilitation on the land of the Oromo people. Wajira.kwo@gmail.com 7
Oromian farmers are free to work on individual, family or cooperative basis to advance their agriculture. FIO believes in strong support to of Oromian farmers in order for their produces to enter global market and for the farmers to be the direct beneficiaries. FIO will deploy a system that adequately produces agricultural inputs and farm implements in order to improve agricultural productivity. INDUSTRIALIZATION: FIO will vigorously work for the industrialization of Oromia on a just, equitable, sustainable and environmentally sound economic design. FIO will work to have a good mix of light and heavy industry without creating any precedence of either light over the heavy industry or vice versa. The organic and natural relationship between the two must come from the dynamics of economy itself. FIO will create a system that gives priority to domestic industry. We will develop Oromo entrepreneurs and manufactures who have been denied of the chance to play an adequate role in its own economy. FIO believes the economy of Oromia shall largely be dependent on our own natural resources. The development of our natural resources for the sole purpose of Oromo people will be based on a balanced and sound environmental protection. FIO s economic industrialization shall take into account the rural and urban economy. The market driven agriculture, export push trade and technological learning and adoption approaches will be followed. FIO will create a comprehensive industrialization frame work in which the development of robust and strong talented human resources in the center. International investment shall be encouraged in Oromian Industries. FIO believes there is a great potential for industrialization in Oromia, FIO will work with citizens and international community to realize these potentials. Wajira.kwo@gmail.com 8
SOCIAL POLICY: Education FIO strongly believes in quality education. Quality education for all Oromians is the key motto in the sector. FIO believes that education in Oromia is for all. FIO will rebuild and redesign educational infrastructure, logistics and system shall be developed in order to put in place a sustainable and sound education. Education shall be provided mainly by government to ensure affordability, accessibility and sustainability of education. Regulation shall be put in place to render good quality education and making maximum care for the mental, psychological, emotional, intellectual and physical development of Oromo children. FIO believes in education shall be free in public schools up to the completion of secondary schools. FIO will develop a policy that support adult education and eradicate illiteracy and create an informed free Oromian society. The participation of parents in the education of our kids will be given top priority. Schools and families will work in co-operation for safe, quality and stimulating education of children FIO promotes the presence and training of skilled and enlightened man power for all levels of the economy. FIO believes in education that shall be based on the Oromo culture, psychology, values and history. Oromo identity shall be the center of the education policy OROMO CULTURAL RESTORATION: FIO will restore Oromo culture, heritage, values, believes and virtues as they are the fundamentals of Oromummaa. FIO will advance cultural research on Oromo history and will implement Oromo history in education system. FIO will also establish Oromia National Cultural Institute to promote the history of indigenous Oromo people to international community. FIO will establish Oromo language (Afaan Oromo) to be a medium of education, research, art, music, media and commerce. Afaan Oromo will be national language of Democratic Republic of Oromia. Wajira.kwo@gmail.com 9
FIO will establish Oromo language institute of the highest standard to strengthen, enrich, explore and expand Oromo language/afaan Oromo FIO will promote historical Oromo cultural centers that will be identified and regarded as sites of our history, culture and values. JOBS: FIO believes job creation is the responsibility of citizens and promote entrepreneurs and private job creators FIO promotes job creation in agricultural sector, different urban sectors, in large and small scale manufacturing. FIO believes that the economy of Oromia will be able to accommodate all citizens of Oromia. FIO will monitor job creation on a monthly bases and develop policy towards reducing unemployment. HEALTH: FIO believes primary health care shall be provided free by the government. FIO promotes health education to be deployed in our educational curriculum. FIO believes special education on health should be included in the curriculum of health schools that are placed in strategic location in Oromia. FIO promotes a policy that benefits doctors, nurses and other health personnel. FIO also works tirelessly on retention of healthcare professionals. FIO will implement and educational curriculum that will help mothers and adults to get special health education at village level with special attention to communicable diseases. The basic reason for the prevalence of communicable disease is lack of drinking water. FIO will make sure that all Oromians shall have adequate and portable drinking water. FIO will educate family on family health and family planning and will Implement policies that benefit citizens. FIO will implement policies that encourage private sector to participate in the provision of health services. FIO promotes standardization of hospitals, health centers and clinics Wajira.kwo@gmail.com 10
VULNERABLE SOCIAL GROUPS: WOMEN FIO believes women are equal with men in every aspect and implement policy to abolish marriage of girls under the age of eighteen. FIO implements policies that abolish forced marriage, abduction marriage and exchange marriage. FIO believes women are the center of a family and work tirelessly to abolish sexual assault, harassment, attack, rape and violation of women s right. FIO believes there shall be no eviction of a women after marriage is broken. YOUTH FIO believes proper cultivation of Oromo youth is vital for our future. The majority of age group in our society is the youth. It is therefore very essential to take a great deal of care for the youth in all aspects of our society. FIO will strive for building a creative youth that is versatile in knowledge and skills. FIO will create an environment in which our youth can become innovative, and creative. Joblessness shall be fought vigorously in the youth by creating enabling environment in the youth so that they can be the main agent creating their own jobs. FIO will fight dependency syndrome in the youth by creating self-confident youth in schools, in the community and business. FIO promotes free youth association that can fight for freedom of the people; protect and sustain the freedom. FIO will work tirelessly to avoid bad habits (alcoholism, smoking and other related) that slowly degrade our society through intensive and persistent mass education and awareness. FIO shall create youth centers, libraries and educational entertainment centers in major cities for proper youth development. Wajira.kwo@gmail.com 11
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FIO will work with families and communities to develop, and implement policies that will protect people with disabilities. FIO will design proper education and training for people with disability based on their participation and demand. FIO shall promulgate laws that enforce multifaceted policy measures that are aimed at easing life for disabled people. ELDERLY FIO will encourage a culture where community and families take care of their own elders. FIO shall develop policies that reduces medical treatments for elders in public health facilities FIO believes that water and electricity bills shall be covered by the provider companies for the elderly people based on their need. POVERTY ELIMINATION POLICY : FIO will employ a policy that will grow the economy of Oromia at fast pace and implement policies that encourage agricultural sector, trade and manufacturing. FIO will work tirelessly to abolish poverty from the land of the Oromo people. FIO encourages urban and rural communities to produce food through different intensive agricultural on small plot of land around their homestead. FIO promotes development of urban agriculture in urban areas. FIO encourages small business and deploy credit facilities to startup businesses. FIO believes that self-confident, technically skilled men and women, robust market and freedom to act in the market is the key to unlock prosperity. PROTECT AND RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF OROMIANS: FIO will fight for a free and freedom loving society. Wajira.kwo@gmail.com 12
FIO believes each citizen is the sole guardian of his/her freedom and rights. FIO encourages each citizen to create the framework of the protection and respecting of their rights. FIO believes civil service, police and other security systems shall be designed to protect the freedom and rights of citizens. Public institutions shall serve citizens at all administrative levels. Law and regulations are primarily designed to protect and preserve the rights, freedom, liberty and peace of our Oromian individuals and different social groups. FIO will implement a separate law(s) that will control in balance the national security and stability of Oromia. FIO will insure transparency and accountability in public organization, private businesses and in government and non-government organizations. FIO considers corruption as a threat to national security and peace and work tirelessly to avoid it. FIO recognize regional cooperation on mutual basis. FIO also believes neighboring Countries have common and similar fate and traditional dispute settlement mechanisms shall be given great value. FIO shall develop policy that support trade, infrastructure and cultural exchange with neighbors. FIO shall develop people to people forums, social and cultural events and strengthen Intra and inter relationships. FIO shall work with neighboring IGAD members and avoid any interference in internal affairs of neighbors. FIO will design transparent political and economic cooperation, linkages and integration with regional partners. FIO will create Oromia that shall play active and positive role in IGAD, COMESA, and the UN. Wajira.kwo@gmail.com 13
PEACE PROMOTION POLICY: FIO understands the deep meaning of peace. Therefore, in Oromia, perpetual peace shall be promoted deep in the society by addressing all possible conflict of interests. The rule of law, the independent non- corrupt, transparent court of law will be way of gaining peace at individual and community level. FIO believes in an independent Oromia, peace will be viewed as a bed rock for economic development and prosperity. FIO will ensure the development of accommodative, plural, tolerant and broad based political system in Oromia. FIO will promote peace through media, art, music, cultural events, peace events, independence event, schools and public gatherings. FIO will cooperate with the regional and sub regional partners in addressing and developing peace. Wajira.kwo@gmail.com 14