The Council of Abba Gadaa (Oromo traditional leaders) has called on all apolitical parties to discharge their responsibilities in building peace in the country.
Chairperson of the Council, Abba Gadaa Beyene Senbeto made the remark at the reconciliation forum organized by the Council in Addis Ababa today.
The event brought together political parties operating in Oromia regional state, including the Oromo Democratic Party (ODP) and the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF).
“It is not only the responsibility of political parties to maintain peace in the country. It is also our responsibility. We are all responsible for the peace of our country,” he said.
“We should give priority to peace. All political parties need to bring peace in the country. We don’t want war. Our people need peace,” he said.
Head of Oromo Democratic Party Central Committee Office, Dr Alemu Sime, called for an end to exile and killing each other due to politics.
“We political parties need to live up to our promises,” he said, adding “We also want OLF to honor the agreement reached in Eritrea.” “ODP is ready to maintain peace and accept decision of Abba Gadaas.”
Chairperson of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), Daud Ibsa, for his part said “OLF also wants to uphold peace and is ready for this.”
Activist Jawar Mohammed for his part urged both ODP and OLF to sit down and resolve their differences through duologue.
At the end of the forum, a committee of 71 people was formed to facilitate condition for the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of armed members of the Oromo Liberation Front.
The Committee is composed of 54 members from Abba Gadaa Council, 11 from academics, 3 from ODP, and 3 from OLF.