New faction break away from Ethiopia’s Oromo Congress

Jan 28, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — A new faction claiming independent existence both from the Merera-led ONC and its rival Tolessa-led group arose within the Oromo National Congress (ONC), a member of Ethiopia’s second biggest opposition, the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF).

Faction leader Teferra Legesse, himself an MP of the ONC, told The Reporter that the group led by him and Tuke Liben, another ONC MP, decided to break away from UEDF since the home-based and external-wing leaders were in disagreement. He said they do not belong to Tolessa’s ONC since it does not represent the Oromo people.

“We are not sure which ONC is legal since claims of legitimate chairmanship is being made by both groups and the matter is still pending in court. We also find it hard to represent the UEDF since its home-based and US-based leaders are in split and the true leader still undecided,” Teferra told The Reporter.

Teferra added that the new ONC would participate in parliament as an Oromo MPs’ group. “Our concern is about the worsening situation in Oromia. So in order to represent the Oromo we need a legal base but since both ONCs have failed to represent the Ormos people we have chosen to sit in parliament as Oromo electees,” he said.

Asked to comment on this state of affairs, ONC chairman Dr. Merera Gudina denied knowledge of any such faction.

Tolessa Tesfaye, however, said he knew of the new group but nevertheless commented that it was futile to try and effectively represent the Oromo under such independent moves. “We need to unite and not go separately if we are to let the voices of our people,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tolessa’s ONC sacked its Audit and Inspection Head Almaz Seifu for allegedly exhibiting disciplinary problems, an accusation which the UEDF leveled at the same person before a split occurred in the party.

Almaz, on her part, accused Tolessa of inefficiency and dictatorial tendencies in the party.

(The Reporter)