Oromo-American Citizens Council (OACC) 2002-03 activities report

Oromo-American Citizens Council (OACC) is a non-profit organization, founded in 2002.  The main objectives of OACC are, to promote the participation of Oromos in American political system, to facilitate and strengthen working relationships among different Oromo organizations, and to address the human rights violations of Ethiopian government against the Oromo People.

Since its formation, OACC has accomplished the following tasks:

·        From 2002-03, OACC met with various US politicians like, Senator Roger Moe, Senator Norm Coleman, House Representative Betty McCollum, and Minnesota human rights Advocates and introduced them to the Oromo people and the fundamental issues surrounded the Oromo people, such as human rights violation in Ethiopia, the plight of Oromo refugees in the neighboring countries, the wide spread of HIV in Oromia and other social and political problems that the Oromo people are facing on daily basis.

·        OACC has also played a great role in bringing different Oromo social, religious and political institutions to a discussion table to forge a project based unity to work together on their common agendas in order to promote the cause of Oromo people.  This has been accomplished and a lot of joint activities are underway. It has been a great success so far.

·        To expand its diplomatic effort and to extend its network to the rest of United States and around the world, OACC has formed brunch organizations in some parts of North America and Europe.

·        OACC contacted members of congress, sub-committee on Africa who live in different states through our representatives? Oacc also contacted US senate foreign affaires, sub-Committee on Africa.

·        Regarding the Oromo Student, Oacc wrote a letter to Congress women Betty McCollum member of US house of representative and member of international relation and sub-committee on Africa, Senator Norm Coleman Member of US Senate and international relation sub-committee on Africa and Secretary of State Colin Powell.

·          Regarding the Oromo Student and Human Right in Ethiopia, Oacc contacted a local media, which the investigation under way.

  OACC will continue working with state and federal politicians and other humanitarian organizations, to increase their awareness about Oromo and issues surrounded the Oromo people to be able to recruit their support in order to influence American foreign policies.

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