International Oromo Lawyers Association – IOLA – organized in London, UK, a two day “Oromo Conference for National Consensus” from 22 – 23 October 2016 in which all Oromo political organizations, members of major Civic Society, the Media and Human Rights activists took part.
The objective of the Conference was to contribute to the ongoing efforts of different organizations and groups to bring the Oromo political organizations much closer than ever before to subsequently ensure that the much desired unified leadership is delivered to the ongoing Oromo uprising in Ethiopia. The unified body of Oromo political organizations, once formed, is also expected to further engage representatives of other Ethiopian people, nations and nationalities to work together not only to remove the TPLF regime from power but also to jointly design the future of post-TPLF Ethiopia.
An un-expected number of Oromos from different cities of Europe and America attended the Conference and took active part in the sometimes heated debates and discussions following presentations by the participating political organizations and invited individual experts.
Following the unanimous demand from the public, which coincided with the ongoing undertakings by some of the participating political organizations to forge coalition to achieve the above objectives, the seven Oromo political organizations (which took part in the Conference) agreed to a Conclusion containing sets of commitments and ways forward.
Given the high demand for further discussion on the ongoing Oromo resistance and to map out their vision for the future of Oromia, IOLA is entrusted to continue with its efforts to organize similar forums in the near future whereby Oromo political organizations, scholars and activists shall take part.
October 25, 2016
London, UK
Executive Board of International Oromo Lawyers Association – IOLA