Background Information
Oromoos living in cities, towns and rural areas are equally impoverished. Death due to malaria, HIV Aids, malnutrition, etc., is rampant. Public education, with the exception of the state of Tegrai, is limited to 10th grade. Imagine the number of 14-15 year old Oromoo kids roaming the streets with nothing to do and nowhere to go. That is tantamount to passing a death sentence on this and future generations. The expulsion last year of several hundred Oromoo students from Addis Ababa University, the closure of the Maccaa Tuulamaa Association, and the wholesale crackdown on Oromoo organizations including the decision to move the capital city of Oromiyaa from Finfinnee to Adama promoted a few good men to form a political party and continue to engage in a peaceful struggle to keep the hopes and aspirations of the Oromoo people alive. It is against this background that WAFIDO was founded in the fall of 2004. As the famous African prisoner/President: Nelson Mandel once said, "If you do not stand for something, you will fall for any thing".
Updates in Brief
January 2005 Wafido's chairman, Obbo Bulchaa Dammaqsaa took part in a televised debate, using Afaan Oromoo. The delivery of the party's message in Afaan Oromoo really energized his base (constituents). This earned Obbo Bulchaa admiration from the Oromoo people and condemnation from others. He told his critics that WAFIDO and the Oromoo language are inseparable. Dr. Geetaachoo Jigii, WAFIDO's political affairs coordinator, along with the Secretary of the party presented the Amharic version of the debate which appeared in the local papers the following day.
In Finfinne, more than 2000 people were in attendance for the official inauguration of WAFIDO by party officials.
Feb. 2005 Similar rallies were held in selected cities like, Jimma, Aggaro, Neqemmtte, Nejjo, Gimbi, Mandi, Walisso, Shashemanne, Mettu, Ginchi, Ambo, Guder, Assala, Adama, Bushoftu, Tullubolo & Tejjiii. Many other cities are scheduled for visits before election day.
February.28/2005 The Movement has fielded 125 candidates to contest both regional council and national parliamentary seats. Oromoos every where are responding favorably. Eventhough they are enthusiastic about our movement's platform, it is yet to be seen wether they are going to be free to vote their will on election day.