Statement announcing the formation of the Alliance for Freedom and Democracy (AFD)

Members of the New Alliance are the CUDP, OLF, EPPF, ONLF and SLF (UEDF supports the Alliance but has requested a month to consult its member organizations before officially joining.)

May 22, 2006 - Utrecht, Netherlands

A historic meeting convened, by the Coalition for Unity and Democracy Party (CUDP), the Ethiopian People's Patriotic Front (EPPF), the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), the Sidama Liberation Front (SLF) and the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF), at Utrecht in Netherlands, from 19 to 22 of May 2006 has successfully completed by forming the Alliance for Freedom and Democracy (AFD) and elected its officers. The UEDF supports the formation of the alliance and its objectives and has requested a month to consult its member organizations.

The formation of the Alliance is an outcome of a series of bilateral and multilateral discussions conducted in the past several months. The Founding Agreement has been unanimously accepted and ratified by all members of the Alliance. The formation of this Alliance reflects the aspirations and best wishes of all people in Ethiopia whose life has been blighted by political repression, marginalization and exclusion.

The ultimate aim of the Alliance is to establish a just, representative and a genuine democratic process through the convening of an all-inclusive conference where the country’s problems will be discussed and resolved.

We are confident that the formation of this Alliance will be a vehicle to eliminate mistrust and suspicion between political groups and communities so that all will work together in the spirit of mutual understanding and to the benefit and well-being of all. We believe the collective effort behind the Alliance will put an end to the existing destructive mentality of winner takes all and the habitual indifference towards the excluded.

The Alliance aspires to purposefully cultivate the values of compromise, tolerance, inclusion, reconciliation and mutual understanding. That is the only way to end the underlying causes of repression, bloodshed, insecurity, political instability and exclusion in Ethiopia and the region, which are inflicting severe hardships and suffering on all people, and seriously hampers the prospects for development and the attainment of equality, justice and prosperity.

Time and time again the people in Ethiopia have risen up and paid unimaginable sacrifice to satisfy their yearning for freedom, justice, liberty and democracy. The struggle and the sacrifice that is being paid in relation to the May 15 2006 election is a recent addition to the series of quashed aspirations.

Our people have demonstrated their readiness and ability that a just and democratic political order is feasible in Ethiopia. What stands between the aspiration for freedom and democracy and its realization is the unwillingness of the incumbent EPRDF regime to submit to the expressed will of the people and its flagrant violations of human rights and civil liberties and failure to even respect and abide by its very own constitution.

The Alliance will therefore struggle to pressure the ruling party to stop frustrating the realization of the yearning for freedom and democracy. The Alliance would use its generous spirit of inclusiveness in convening the conference that would facilitate a way towards the establishment of a democratic and representative order.

We call upon all the people of Ethiopia, both at home and abroad, to rise up in unison to support the cause of the Alliance and struggle to make the convening of the conference, which paves the way for a democratic transition, a reality. The struggle should continue to challenge the current spate of repression in the country, halt the futile and destructive military campaigns, security crackdowns and end the farcical political trial of elected members of parliament and others and to free all political prisoners, including those detained in the small towns and villages.

We also call upon the international community to realize that dialogue and good-faith negotiation offers the only way to achieve a lasting solution and back the alliance's call for this all-inclusive conference to break the current impasse. We hope the international community will realize that peace and stability, sustainable development and good governance can be a reality in Ethiopia only when the disfranchisement of the many by the few is stopped and by bringing all the stakeholders together to chart a genuinely democratic course.

Ethiopian's problems are immense and grossly complicated. Convening an all-inclusive conference to address them is well over due. We do not underestimate the obstacles and challenges facing us. However, with patience and perseverance we are certain that we will succeed.

The Alliance will hold a Press Conference to lay out its vision and work programs in detail.

Freedom and Democracy for all!

I support this ..as long as Kinijit does not compromise its core principles outlined in the Kinijit Manifesto.

What Makes Kinijit a major force in Ethiopian Politics is its principles .....

Thanks.

Here goes the BBC version of the news


Ethiopia party in rebel alliance

Ethiopia's largest opposition party has announced it has formed an alliance with four rebel groups.

The new Alliance Freedom and Democracy (AFD) says it will focus on peaceful struggle against the government but the armed groups will still stage attacks.

Several leaders of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) are on trial for treason following protests over last year's disputed elections.

The CUD says the polls were rigged - charges rejected by the government.


The AFD is calling for an all-inclusive conference to hammer out Ethiopia's political problems.

"That is the only way to end the underlying causes of repression, bloodshed, insecurity, political instability and exclusion in Ethiopia," a statement said.

A second opposition group, the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces, said it supported the Alliance but would not join in until member groups had been consulted.

BBC Africa analyst Martin Paut says this is the first time that such a comprehensive opposition alliance has come together since Prime Minister Meles Zenawi came to power in 1991.

AFD spokesman Hassan Hussein told the BBC the Alliance would like the conference to take place inside Ethiopia, and invited the governing party to join.

But he recognised this was unlikely to take place.

Instead, the AFD is calling on Ethiopians to use peaceful resistance against Mr Meles's administration.

The Alliance includes the rebel OLF and ONLF groups, which are campaigning for greater rights for Ethiopia's Oromo and Somali communities respectively.

'Absurd'

The CUD says it is being persecuted by the government and human rights groups have expressed concerns about the fairness of the charges against several of its leaders, and the trial. The charges include attempted genocide.

Amnesty International said the genocide charges were "absurd". They relate to alleged attacks on ethnic Tigrayans during last year's protests over disputed elections.

The trial was a test of the independence of Ethiopia's judges, Amnesty added.

But chief prosecutor Shimeles Kemal said he would produce evidence to show the "defendants had the same criminal objective: to overthrow and dismantle the duly established government through violence."

Mr Meles, a Tigrayan, has denied charges of election fraud and blames the opposition for starting the violent protests, in which at least 80 people died.

His government also points out it introduced multi-party elections to Ethiopia after years of military rule.

He had been seen as a new type of African leader but donors have cut off some aid after the security forces used live bullets to end the protests.

In the elections, the opposition made huge gains but say they were cheated out of victory.

A bit disappointed and amazed too. Why UEDF takes one month to consult its members?

This is a grate news I was expecting for some time. From now on-wards the dream I have for my beloved country looks very rosy. May God bless Ethiopian and the alliance.

Who are the officers ..?????

do what ever u want to do but plz dont HARM ETHIOPIA AND HER POOR PEOPLE.

Very, Very Good News. Unity is to victory as energy is to physics. No unity, no victory. It is that simple. Now let us put pressure on UEDF to get off its excuses and play it part. I am fully expecting Kinijit to become the best and the strongest player of AFD.

Long Live Ethiopia !

OLF has been briefing Oromo Communities in North America for last two weeks about this issue. I am glad that those people who used to think Ethiopia as one nation, one culture, and one langauge are finally accepting the reality. The only way CUD and OLF can work together is CUD accepting the right of the oromo people for self-determination.

Why is the alliance just called Alliance for Freedom and Democracy? Why is that the most important elements, ETHIOPIA and UNITY, missing in the name of the newly formed AFD. Is it a coincidence or is AFD lacks Ethiopian and Unity elements?

Alem

The whole idea of democracy is to accommodate all and this alliance is a reflection of this and nothing more. parties or fronts with different ideas can work together, therefore there is no reason why they cant govern together.

The strategy is united Ethiopia, the tactic is alliance for freedom and democracy of all parties and fronts. There is no confusion here. those who wanted a united Ethiopia must be able to negotiate with secessionist fronts to keep Ethiopia united. tolerance to differences has to be appreciated not condemned or annihilated. Democracy is the key to solving ethnic question. A reconciliation programme is the way.

Is it that difficult to comprehend how very different interests could form alliances? No. Alliance of this kind did happen in the world and they have succeeded in their goals 99% of the time. Think of it as a transitional government in exile.

May God bless Ethiopian and the alliance!

Founding Members of the AFD,
Most Ethiopians are praying for your success so that you can help bring about an all inclusive genuine democracy to this long suffering country. The whole country will be watching you. Please don't fail the Ethiopian people.Deliver us from the yoke of Meles and his henchmen's Fasist regime!

Great news. Now, the dream comes true. OLF representative has already put forward during his testimony to European Commision last week. Bravo! It is time for all involved in this Alliance to accept equality and the right of people for self-determination.

I hope EPPF, OLF, ONLF, and SLF will play a great role because they had a long vision for this kind of Alliance. It is a high time for CUD to work with these experienced fronts in the spirit of equality and fratenity. It is necessary the old 'I know all' attitude and listen to each other.

Cheers

It is breaking news.Go .Go ...Go AFD. It is a day
of mourning for the tyrant and hench men.

It is breaking news.Go .Go ...Go AFD. It is a day
of mourning for the tyrant and hench men.

Dear Why not ETHIOPIAN & UNITY Alliance for Freedom and Democracy ,
I think alliance means not discard all their respective agenda.Oppositions should work in areas that enable them to do so...we dont want to have such priorities now.

"The strategy is united Ethiopia, the tactic is alliance for freedom and democracy of all parties and fronts."

Hi,

What would be the outcome (end result)?

First of all, I would say " bravissimo!!" to all Opposition Parties for being willing to come around a common table and form the Alliance. By doind so, you are attracting the international community to give attention to the grave situation in that poor country of ours. I thank all those members of the Alliance to positively contribute to the creation of the Alliance. A great job is done.

Very good start and may those who have big hearts and wisdom from these diffrent parties lead this new alliance. I am also encouraged to see the genorosity of the alliance in extending its hand of inivitation to the ruling party. And I hope they will continue do that and also work hard in mobilizing the Ethiopian people to build a country for all Ethiopians. I alkso hope that they will keep on this possitive and forward looking attitude. May God give them the wisdom to know bad advice and identify and reject ideas and individuals from all parties those that have selfish ambition, intolerant attitudes, and narrow opinion about Ethioipia, leadership and democracy.

No one will reject the idea of inclusion of all tribes as equal participation in the develpment and freedom of Ethiopia except the woyane regime.
We want to see the new colorful Ethiopia with everyone without being marginalized working for the same goal. Above all with genuine non greedy and non subtle leader who is dedicating his/her life to the well being of ALL Ethiopians. The start is a great achievement! The road ahead is challenging and need determination to show the people of Ethiopia what this Alliance is up to in PRACTICE. If genuinity, honesty and transparency among the members of the alliance is the area where the people of Ethiopia want to witness.

Congratulation for all!

Unbeliable to hear such brith taking news. It is great news for Ethiopian people and sad for weyane. No way to skape for Weyane. The only thing Weyane has is Agazi. If all nited , it will not be that difficult to creat an army which can crush agazi.

We love AFD, We stand with AFD
AFD will destroy the Dicatater Meles and co.


Long live AFD

This is good news and sends shock wave to divisive Meles camp.

This is a good news and not a comforting one for woyanae. This will add another headache….maybe tumor to Meles and his ignorant supporters.

A new begining for Ethiopia, and I am sure most citizens will embrace this new development. This also marks the dawn of the long awaited maturity of the leadership of the various political parties and movements. This is what the average Ethiopian, regardless of ethnic background, has been longing for. Myself, born from an Oromo father and Tigrean monther, and raised among Amharas, welcome this development with full heart. I never supported OLF for its devisive approach, never liked Kinijit for not facing straight the prevailing ethnic problems, and never accepted EPRDF for their lies, incompetence, selfishness, and total arrogance. I now see a bright future for Ethiopia, and sincerely hope AFD will not drop the ball.

Hopefully, UEDF is not acting in here as a weakest link.We will see how it goes from here as long as UEDF is concerned. The people in UEDF were heard outcrying for not having a unified front.But why the procrastination and filibuster?, I hope they would applaud the formation sooner than a month and act in unisom to put down the gangsters and looters.GOD bless Ethiopia

An intelegent decision that the ethiopian has mad ever.

Now woyane has got another home work!!!

Thre are few personalities that are "sociopathic" (a synonym for "psychopathic") because they ruthlessly seek their own selfish interests without any regard for the harms they cause to others. The guy in "Thomas H from Radio" doesn't care about other peoples thoughts and feelings. He has no sense of guilt or remorse. May be he was in hell and met the devil himself. He is a devils advocate,a genie out of the bottle. Ouside of the bottle, he is a stranger. "aya jibo bemayawkut hager koda antifulgn ale" Now that he is out of the bottle, he is rattling, jumping up and down without control. Everytime he lands on the ground he hurts himself; he starts talking and ruthlessly plowing his way through life. He inflicts damage and never regrets. Remember falks, he is a 'Genie' out of his world of bottle. Isn't he a smaller devil serving his master,"Meles"?. Beware falks, go to your room and lit a candle and pray to God. Ask God to help the 'Thomas H from Radio' for he doesn't know what he is thinking. For the rest US, the Alliance for Freedom and Democracy is the BEST way if not the ONLY way.

Now melese is in panik not because he is afried of AFD but because he will be the only one who bleaves that weyane is not daying.

This is the date God has shown his mercy to Ethiopia and Ethiopians.Miracle!! The alliance of the rivals and the unity of the disunited is none other than the Gods act.This is absolutly the begining of the down fall of the Woyanee gangs by the power of God.Look how the Woyanee supporting websites are highly frustrated in their todays editions.Unity is power.
God bless Ethiopia.

This is great...we will see how LONG it will stay...Definetly, it will go NOWHERE...OLF and CUD...Hard to see their common ground!

Alem:

Good observation. I had noticed it but I did not want to make issues about it, just not yet. Clearly, the Oromo and Somali leaders will not get excited about Ethiopian Unity. Ethiopian Unity is the Job of CUD and possibly UEDF. But, this is about STATECRAFT.
Let the ethnic groups get serious about Democracy. We will take care of the National Unity.

The common ground of OLF and CUD is freedom and democracy, and letting the people to decide what they want.

Is it not interesting

void(0);
void(0);Bravo, my country!
void(0);
void(0);
Bravo, all of you work so hard to get to this point.

I am puzzled like most of you UEDF’ becoming a stumbling block. I wished to know what significant reason caused this delay. This we expected to happen long ago and UEDF has been a leader from the start. I hope it will become clear soon.

The difficulty of working together with many form of Manifesto is not a straight line. Your enemy will start to work very hard to create differences and break your union. Close your doors and do not let intimidations take any space.

Your difference is your strength. This is really devastating news to the ruling part and their clicks.

Long Live Ethiopia
Long Live our Alliance.

If this story were true, I would like to think that was not another trap designed to short change CUD. It already survived another entrapment, and I am not sure it can endure another one. For now, though, I would rather hold judgment until I see the platform that enabled the Alliance. In the man time, CUD has a lot of explanations to do regarding the basis of its Alliance with some members of the Alliance, which are secessionists and religious fundamentalists.

Now a golden chance has come to fat cats to confront the Woyane face to face by joining AFD, the cyber world battlefield should be replaced by the real world battle. Congradulations fat cats, I am sure you will soon taste what you only know in movies i.e. the jungle life, instead of bluffing behind the screen in a closed door. GOOD LUCK

What a stunning news.

If I were Woayene, I will commit sucide today.


Long live ethiopia and all her poor and innocent people.

Death to the Mafia, who hold her people hostage for 14 years.

Hi Aditi!

I am just replying to what you posted about me.You are accusing me just for nothing.First of all I am ATHEIST(I believe in myself) because when I was in Ethiopia I had a title Priest(Kes) while my name was Mohammed(they used to call me Kes Mohammed) and then I was converted to Christian and became Teklehaimanot while still I had the title Haji and they started calling me Haji Teklehaimanot.So before I left Ethiopia I decided that I would be Atheist.For anything I write about opposition supporters I have evidence.If you are interested and you want to see what evidence I have,per your request I would be happy to post them.Otherwise in this forum don`t expect people to have the same opinions.You should start learning how to tolerate differnt views and opinions.That is where DEMOCRACY starts.

I am very glad to hear such unbelievble news. I suggest that the alliance have to have one heart for the nation as a whole, not for a specific ethinic group. This is the big difference that we all have to aviod. That means OLF and SLF must drop the ethinic agenda and struggle in unity for one beloved ethiopia. It is when you guys get one heart that the whole ethiopian ( regardless of ethinicty and religion) moblize, and you can make as one ppl. You can redo the hate politics sooner. It is a good start! Congra... for the ethiopian ppl.

Victory to my beloved thiopia!!!!!!!!

Thomas H.Radio--

So it means that you have confusion from creation to poletics.Is that right?

Breaking News!

Meles Zenawi's regime has closed its consular office in The Hague, Netherlands due to severe budget problem, confidential source told EMF today. Sources also confirmed that the Ethio-Dutch diplomatic relation has been deteriorated since the aftermath of the May 2005 Ethiopian parliamentary Election, where tens of civilians were brutally murdered by the direct order of Meles Zenawi.

Ethiopian government a "disaster"

Ardenne-Van der Hoeven, the Dutch minister of Development Cooperation, called the Ethiopian government a "disaster", speaking at one of a series of panels at the latest World Trade Organisation (WTO) trade talks, held in Hong Kong.

Protests

Hundreds of Ethiopians gathered on 11 Nov. 2005, at the EPRDF Embassy in The Hague, The Netherlands, to condemn the mass murder of civilians by the brutal Meles regime. The protestors shut down the Consular office for a day. Since than, the Consular bureau at The Hague was operating under intense security presence. A heavy confrontation occurred between the protesters and the Dutch ME police when some emotional protesters tried to enter the consular office.

Several Ethiopian consular offices will be closed due to severe hard currency shortages, sources said.

Hard currency shortages

Meles Zenawi's regime is confiscating all foreign currencies from every Ethiopian origin traveling abroad via Bole Airport. Confidential sources also told EMF that the regime is exchanging foreign currency in black market to compensate its severe hard currency shortages. Fuel shortage is only one in a series of indicators that the government is experiencing severe hard currency shortfall. [EU], , and Sweden have already stopped direct budgetary assistance which was the major source of hard currency. USA is the only country that backs these terrorists and criminal thugs against the will of the entire nation. Zenawi took America's backing for granted to harass EU members. Ambassador Vicki Huddleston is working hard with forgerers to create a fake and crippled kinijit party to facilitate the regime stay long in power. This wouldn't help rather than developing strong anti-American sentiment among 70 million people who have rejected the regime on the May 2005 poll.



Posted by webmaster on Sunday, May 21, 2006 (22:26:37)

Quite a significant step. But there is one big obstacle. The ruling party has a declared principle not to convene with any organization involved in armed struggle. At least three of the members of the AFD are involved in armed struggle. It is hard to expect the EPRDF to change its principle. It is also hard to expect the organizations to lay down their arms. I do not know how we can get around this obstacle.

I am really tired of Woyanee lies so I declined diatribe to Mr.Confusion or Thomas J radio.

For the rest of my fellow Ethiopians who will be happy by the unity of Ethiopia I have another good news beyond the Oppositions alliance.That is the coordinated attack of Ethiopian people patriotic front(EPPF) and Ethiopian national united patriotic front(ENUPF) against the woyanee soldiers.Here is the link.

http://www.enupfforethiopia.org/pdfs/ENUPF_PR9_MC_051506.pdf

I think the alliance is good to bring the demise of a tyranical rule to an end as quickly as possible. I observed that some of the players in this alliance have core princliples that do not go along with each other. I don't expect OLF and ONLF to abandon the right to self determination of their constituencies. For CUD and the like accepting this inalienable fact should be the case. After all, right to self determination is a manifestation of democratic principles.

Right now, there is a blood thirsty gang in the name of TPLF/EPRDF that knows no civility and it should be eliminated by all means for the sake of peace, democracy and rule of civil society.

If CUD and OLF are able to make deals today, I don't see any reason why they shouldn't be able to do it tomorrow. Good Job.

You woyanes,you can worship your Meles,that is your right.For us he is simply a confussed layman and a coward.The time is not far you will be the witness.

It appears that Ethiopians are at work at last. Ethiopia's agony comes to an end. It is a day that we will cherish for ever.

The Alliance adds fresh impetus to our struggle for democracy and justice, gives hope and strengthen to the suffering people of Ethiopia and is the final nail in the coffin of the tribal fascist bandits.

The day will be remembered as the occasion when the people of Ethiopia came together to bury ethno-fascism and to build their future together through justice and democracy.

There should not be any turning back from now onwards. We have to continue with our journey till the end. We have achieved a milestone by joining hands to work together. The work to re-build our country has begun.

The era of the minority rule is now OVER.

No more looting of Ethiopian Properties.
No more confusion among Ethiopians.
No more building of a single region.

IT IS OVER .... OVER ...

CUD-OLF will rule

GOD BLESS MOTHER ETHIOPIA

"Better late than never"- This was what we Ethiopians have been yearning for since the Derg era. As long asmembers of the "alliance" set aside differences and look forward to the greater picture "Ethiopia", victory is a matter within their reach.

We are now closer to victory and the alliance and its members have to be supported irrespective of the means of struggle they will be waging. Both armed struggle and civil disobedience will guarantee to immediately topple the fascist gang

Congradulations again to all !!!! Tears of blood being shed by our mothers and sisters in Ethiopia will eventually dry up

I suspect udef's action...EPRP WILL HAVE A PROBLEM TO FORM AN ALLIENCE WHERE THEY CAN'T BE LEADERS...UDEF SHOULD COME VERY FAST WITH ITS POSTION. EITHER YOU ARE WITH THE PEOPLE OF ETHIOPIA OR.........HISTORY WILL JUDGE YOU...TODAY THE ONLY POLITICS WE WANT IS A ROUND TABLE SOLUTION FOR ALL ON ETHIOPIAN FUTURE.....................WACH OUT EPRP

This what i want to hear and see i am very happy that all party come together and form Alliance (AFD).
and it is sad day for woyanne .time is comeing to get rid of meles and his dogs

Our aim , our alliance is to let the Ethiopian people decide the future of their country through a democratic process,

Our aim is to hand over power to the Ethiopian people where it belongs. Power belongs to the people. They choose the government, and they remove the government by the ballot box.

Power can not and should not be taken away from the Ethiopian people by armed groups and by the gun, ever again.
Guns and bullets should be taken out of Ethiopian politics for ever.

We want a new culture, a culture of political pluralism and dialogue which a democratic system can bring. Democracy is therefore the basis for Ethiopia's future.

Lets hail the unity of our people.