Wafido Chairman denied permission to debate in Afaan Oromoo

April 10/2005 A nationally televised debate between the opposition and the ruling party was scheduled for April 9th. The Minister of Information, who represents the government in the debate, denied Wafido president, Obbo Bulchaa Dammaqsaa permission to use Afaan Oromoo in his presentation. For his part, Obbo Bulchaa was uncompromising stating that his audience is primarily the Oromoo people. The debate took place without Wafido's participation.