Open letter: To Ogaden Elders

Kansas city Ogaden Community
qaalafo@yahoo.com

Dear Elders:

We are writing to extend our sincere appreciation to you and the other elders as well for your ongoing efforts to broker a peaceful resolution between the colonial Ethiopia and the O.N.L.F. The Ogaden people will always be grateful to the constructive leadership role you have played in this uphill struggle for lasting peace and democracy.

We have all witnessed, and learned from observers such as EU-EOM, and the Carter Center who both indicated that the so-called election that took place in Ogadenia on October twenty fifth was possibly fraudulent. They have emphasized what we already knew that is this was not a legitimate election but a flimflam. It is baffling to many of us though to see some of the esteemed elders endorse characters such as Khadar Mohamed Ali and Mr. Dirir whom we believe had their chances but failed to advance the interests of the Ogaden populace. Some of us could even argue that the very presidents of the so-called regional state are behind many of the recurring tribal conflicts in Ogadenia.

We believe the very system that brings these individuals into office is rotten. Many, who are knowledgeable about the inner workings of the Kilil-state administration- hierarchy, believe that Kilil personnel, whether president or porter, do not owe their allegiance to the people of Ogaden but only to their respective tribes and Tigray political masters. Nominating one's tribal members to positions of prominence, which they may have no knowledge of, is thus seen as a reward for their allegiance during the political campaigns. It is a fact that a majority of the Kilil personnel are illiterate. Personnel illiteracy manifests itself in the lack of knowledge about the very federal constitution they are supposed to work under. The fact that Melez fires these Kilil presidents with no regard to the constitutional articles that bar him to do so is a testament to these individuals lack of knowledge. A possible question thus is how can one expect these individuals, who do not know their rights, to protect the rights of the Ogaden citizenry? There is a document case of cause and effect relationship between development and leaders. There is a zero chance of development if one does not have the right leaders in place. Despite the efforts of the Ogaden Elders, one can forecast that there will be no change so long as the same 'leaders' are recycled once every couple of years.

Challenge us and Challenge yourself by looking at the record of one elected member of the new Kilil, and tell me whether they deserve to be leaders or be in jail. It is not clear what the intention of the elders was, and what good they expect to come out when they let criminals who are uneducated, undemocratic, unjust run the country under their watch. The fact that some of the elders have endorsed these 'newly elected' individuals makes the whole elder initiative to be related to corrupt Kilil leaders.  We believe that true development is possible, but only in conjunction with people’s desires and wants.  The Elders should work for the will of the people not the other way around. The elders should be endorsing the initiation of agricultural projects, and the implementation of a proper justice system. We all know that Ogadenia has two Rivers, and numerous lakes yet our people still rely on foreign aid! We believe the elders should promote self sufficiency and people empowerment initiatives rather than endorse corrupt leaders.

We believe that Ogadenia urgently needs the following four items:

• Proper justice system that can prosecute the crimes committed against the Ogaden populace by the Tigray militia that masquerades as a military in Ogadenia. The elders should insist that those behind the recent Shilabo massacre should be prosecuted as soon as possible.

• Honest leaders who are only loyal to the interests of the Ogaden citizenry.

• Proper investment on agriculture. Many believe that Ogadenia has the capacity to feed all of east Africa. All efforts should be spent on the development of the Ogaden agriculture.

• The freedom and the right to exercise what is on the so-called federal constitution. Elders should insist on the right of the Ogaden citizenry to vote on article 39 of the constitution.
  
   

  Kansas city Ogaden Community
  qaalafo@yahoo.com
   

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