Oromo American Citizen Counsel Open House (Saturday June 18, 2005)

Saturday June 18, 2005 Oromo American Citizen Counsel (OACC) celebrated its opening of new office in St. Paul Minnesota.

The program was opened by President Robsan Itana, who briefly spoke about the Organization’s achievements since its establishment about two and half years ago. Mr. Robsan thanked various individuals and Organizations whom contributed to OACC’s achievements and passed the program to other speakers.

Guest Speaker Laura from Minnesota Human Rights Advocates laid out information about on going Oromo Project by her Organization. She also explained the goal of Minnesota Human Rights Advocates with Oromo Project. Some of the things Laura mentioned are the following.

• Minnesota Human Rights Project is hoping to transfer some cases from the Oromo Project to the Center for Victims of Torture which is based at the University of Minnesota.
• The report which is found through interviews with Oromo Immigrants and refugees will be published approximately by September 2005.
• The Organization is thinking about sending certain personnel to Ethiopia to find some more information ( in the future)

Overall, Laura said that the main goal of her Organization is to find how the Oromos in Ethiopia are directly and systematically subjugated by looking at “base line factors” that are directly affecting Oromos (lack of access to court, education, economic freedom, and expelled Oromo students from Universities).Finally, Minnesota Human Rights Advocates are hoping to work with Oromo individuals and Organizations to raise awareness about Oromo issues nationally and internationally.

Another speaker was Dr. Abraham Dalu. Dr. Abraham’s speech titled “Basic principles of Organizational Interaction” mainly targeted at the Oromo political and social organizations seemed to capture a lot of attention. He stressed the fact that the existing Oromo organizations are working too hard rather than working smart. However, working smart (supporting each other) would have been much more effective, due to the fact they are pursuing the same goal.

Another point Dr. Abraham made was that criticism naturally exist in human society and Oromo organizations should not be afraid of it, but it is unnecessary to criticize others while you are not doing much yourself. Most of Dr. Abraham stressed the importance of interaction among individuals and organizations in order to achieve the main goal (freedom).

He praised OACC for it hard work and encouraged the organization to keep up the good work. Also thanked Minnesota Human Rights advocates for its immeasurable support of Oromo people through the ongoing Oromo project.

After the speakers the session was opened to the members to discuss, compare and contrast ideas. Some of the suggestions made during the discussion session include the following.

·        All Oromo Organizations should call a joint meeting and have to come up with a mission and vision that we all should work towards.

·        To take opportunities that come along and pass by, we need to prepare now and this needs an immediate action.

·        OACC and its members should find away to encourage Oromo people’s interaction even if it is on individual bases.

·        Oromo intellectuals should work towards finding how we can stand up and work about establishing freedom and equality for Oromo people (in the context of how the world politics run today).

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