O.N.L.F. Statement On Expulsion Of American Organization From Ethiopia


April 2nd 2005

The EPRDF/TPLF regime in Ethiopia has long benefited from the illusion that it is serious about democracy.

In preparation for this year so-called elections, the EPRDF regime announced to the world that it would welcome international observers and has on more than one occassion stated it's determination to hold elections that were free and fair.

To the Somali people of Ogaden, this line had been heard before which is why the ONLF stated in no uncertain terms that it would not participate in Ethiopia so-called elections. The wisdom of our decision became clear when Ethiopia announced that voting would take place in all districts except those in Ogaden which would not take place until
several months later. A clear reason for this announcement was never made.

This week, the EPRDF regime ordered the expulsion of three prominent American organization involved in democracy building throughout the world who had been
providing assistance to support the conduct of and full participation in the May elections. Those organizations, NDI, IRI and IFES noted in a joint press statement that this had been the first time in twenty years that a government had taken such collective action against their organizations.

This action, coupled with the suppression of democracy activists, journalists and legitimate
political groups guarantees that the so-called Ethiopian elections to be held in May 2005 will beneither free, fair or inclusive.

The ONLF wishes to affirm that we will not participate in these so-called elections as they are not designed to reflect the true aspirations of the Somali people of Ogaden.

The ONLF condemns the EPRDF's blatant campaign to eliminate political dissent through the use of force in its effort to cling on to power by all means necessary.

The ONLF informs the international community that any ethnic Somali group participating in this so-called election enjoys neither legitimacy or the support of the majority of the Somali people of Ogaden.

The ONLF notes that successive so-called regional administration in Ogaden have failed because cronies of the EPRDF/TPLF regime have been installed in
Ogaden and that this will continue until our people are permitted to excercise there inalienable right to self-determination and democracy.


Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF)
Foreign Affairs Department
 

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