- What is the WOC?
The World Oromo Congress is a non-partisan, non-sectarian global national assembly representing all Oromos in the Diaspora. Once established, WOC aims to institutionalize efforts that affect the Oromo national struggle towards self-determination
- What is the benefit of WOC?
The main objective of WOC is to unite and coordinate disparate efforts in the diaspora with the aim of expediting our march towards self-determination. We the Oromo nation have all the skills, resources, and know-how needed to support our people at home in their struggle for freedom. To harness that ingenuity and capacity, we must act collectively in an organized fashion. WOC gives us the institution and framework to do just that.
- When and where is the conference?
The inaugural conference for WOC will be held in Minneapolis, MN September 18-19th.
- Why did you choose to organize this conference at this time? Shouldn’t it have been done before?
Yes, indeed it should have been done before, but it was not for many reasons. We have done a lot of reflection and analysis of our mistakes, and will continue to learn from our ups and downs in the struggle. However, what’s more important now is that our people are in a fight with an enemy that is waging an existential war against the Oromo and violently attacking socio-economic political-cultural gains that Oromos have achieved thus far. Therefore, it is absolutely critical that we unite and organize to stand with them.
- Who can participate in this conference, and how?
Representatives of Oromo from all walks of life in the diaspora. Participants include delegates from the Oromo community, religious, political, civic, youth, women and professional organizations/associations, artists, activists, public influencers, and elders. Participants must register through a link provided to them through their invitation link or through our website.
- For the sake of transparency, what was the process to get here? Have all the relevant stakeholders been consulted during the process? Is there any plan to mitigate against in-fighting and sabotage?
The road from writing down the vision for WOC to this conference has not been smooth. There are a number of people that put a lot of work into getting us to this point, however, we could have done a better job of consulting more people in a meaningful way earlier in the process. During the development of the concept note, there were several meetings that were held with various stakeholders asking for their feedback but we recognize that many feel that was not enough. So, in the weeks leading to the conference, we tried to reach as many Oromo communities, civic and religious organizations, political parties, etc… as we could. In those conversations, we understood many agree with the aspirations of the World Oromo Congress but fear the shortcomings of the past playing out yet again.It’s a legitimate fear, and the power to mitigate it is in our hands if we’re willing to put aside our personal differences and focus on the sufferings of our people that we all desperately want to end.
- What will be gained if we go through with the vision of World Oromo Congress? And what will be lost if we don’t?
The benefits are two-fold. First, Oromos in the diaspora will be better positioned to coordinate their resources and intellect more efficiently, strengthening efforts towards liberation and self-actualization. And secondly, the Oromo diaspora standing united will provide a morale boost for our people at home bearing the brunt of this war on and off the battlefield.
What will be lost is evidently clear but let’s always remember the Oromo nationalist movement that has reawakened the Oromo consciousness to fight for its rightful place will remain a force to be reckoned with.
- You spent a lot of time preparing the ground work towards the establishment of the World Oromo Congress, does that mean you really believe that this will contribute to getting out of the mess that we find ourselves in?
Yes, of course. If successful, and we believe that it will be, a well organized and coordinated Oromo diaspora can have a huge contribution to the struggle at home. But we must not forget, we are only in support roles. The leaders and owners of this struggle are at home, in the front lines, open air or actual prisons of Oromia.
- While preparing for this, did you research why Oromo revolutions of the past struggled to reach their full potential? If so, what were the main issues?
Yes, in fact there was a thorough gap analysis that was conducted. In summary, Ethiopia is a complex empire created and maintained by violence. Therefore, its leaders and elites of past and present view democracy and the right to self-determination of nations as a threat to their continued hold onto power. Consequently, they continue to inflict maximum levels of violence on anyone they deem as a threat , especially to their identified mortal enemy, the Oromo nation. For our part as Oromo nation, we haven’t had an organized effort that coordinates and mobilizes our national resources to reach our common goal that is commensurate with the efforts of our enemy. We at times lacked a clear common strategy to deal with fluid situations that our triumphs and subsequent reforms create, falling short of realizing the fruits of our struggle.
- What makes this conference different from ones done in years past?
This inaugural conference is not just about meeting once to discuss and go our separate ways. It is meant to gather Oromos in the diaspora to establish an institution that is long-lasting and sustainable. This inaugural conference will set the foundation for organizing and mobilizing the Oromo diaspora around clear, measurable, and actionable goals and objectives. There have been many commendable efforts in years past that accomplished their set-out mandates for a certain period of time but fell short of establishing a more permanent institutionalized approach. World Oromo Congress seeks to build on our learnings and efforts towards achieving our common aspiration for liberated Oromia.
- In the events that there are similarities with other efforts, is there an opportunity to work together?
Absolutely. The sole goal of WOC is to provide a platform where Oromo organizations come together to learn from one another, deliberate on the best approach and deploy resources in an efficient and effective manner. We are establishing WOC such that we strengthen those that are already active and find ways to fill-in gaps where there are no activities.
- Although the need for organizing in a strategic way has been articulated by many, there are those who fear that this might be an effort to be a political party or something that could displace civil organizations that are already at work. What is your response to them?
There is an inherent fear amongst our communities because of the way in which our hard earned victories were stolen in 1974, 1991, and most recently 2018. It is understandable for our people to be cautious and skeptical of these types of efforts. At the same time, it is important for us to move past our trauma, and recognize the urgency of the moment and need for collective action. With that said, let it be 100% clear that WOC is NOT a political party. It is a national assembly of Oromos in the diaspora, inclusive of all Oromo political parties that are aligned with the struggle for self-determination. Secondly, this effort is about strengthening civic organizations, it’s about coordinating our capital and human resource assets towards actionable objectives. It’s about creating an institution that is accountable to the public. It’s about doubling down on our efforts towards liberation.
- One of the main points of disagreement in the Oromo struggle has been between those who see armed struggle as the only way and those who advocate for non-violent means. How will this effort address these two constituencies?
It is very important to not take some of these differences in approach lightly. However, our actions must be rooted in reality on the ground. Today, thousands of our young men and women have picked up the armed struggle because the political space slammed shut, and war waged on our homeland. Therefore, we can not push the Oromo struggle forward without supporting those who are fighting a genocidal regime. On the other hand, we also have to build the capacity of our political, economic and civic institutions that are critical to sustain the victory that will undoubtedly come from the sacrifices of our fighters. I think most Oromos have come to recognize this reality.
- What is your expectation and ask from Oromo Qerroo/Qerree, community leaders, civic organizations, religious and non-profits, and Oromo elders?
WOC is an institution that is being created for all Oromos. We ask all Oromo stakeholders to get involved, attend the inaugural conference, take leadership roles, and take ownership. I think it’s important that we get diverse perspectives, and people with relevant expertise to execute on the focus areas. Therefore, it is absolutely essential that people continue to ask the tough questions, and take it upon themselves to ensure we achieve our stated goals.
- What’s your message for those that don’t understand this effort, or to those who oppose it?
We ask that they attend the conference, ask questions, and as stated above take ownership. The only way forward is to act in good faith, correct our mistakes, and get organized. We must always keep who we’re fighting for in mind. We the Oromo are a mighty people, with history and culture spanning millennia. We have to fight for our people to have their rightful place on their land. We must defeat those who have uprooted us from our land, usurped our God given resources, and violently maimed and murdered so many of our brethren. Lastly, we must act in unison but not expect uniformity in views and approaches. As long as we’re working towards the liberation of our home land, we must find ways to coordinate and act in ways that will ensure our victory this time around does not get co-opted by opportunists.