Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06ASMARA756
2006-09-25 12:09:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Asmara
Cable title:  

OLF CHAIRMAN SPEAKS ON ENDF AND RECENT OROMO

Tags:  PGOV MOPS KDEM ASEC ET ER 
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P 251209Z SEP 06
FM AMEMBASSY ASMARA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8430
INFO RUCNIAD/IGAD COLLECTIVE
RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 1205
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 1380
RUEKDIA/DIA WASHDC
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC
RHMFISS/CJTF HOA
RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC
C O N F I D E N T I A L ASMARA 000756 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

LONDON FOR AFRICA WATCHERS, PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/25/2016
TAGS: PGOV MOPS KDEM ASEC ET ER
SUBJECT: OLF CHAIRMAN SPEAKS ON ENDF AND RECENT OROMO
DEFECTIONS

REF: ADDIS ABABA 2572

Classified By: CDA Jennifer McIntyre for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L ASMARA 000756

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

LONDON FOR AFRICA WATCHERS, PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/25/2016
TAGS: PGOV MOPS KDEM ASEC ET ER
SUBJECT: OLF CHAIRMAN SPEAKS ON ENDF AND RECENT OROMO
DEFECTIONS

REF: ADDIS ABABA 2572

Classified By: CDA Jennifer McIntyre for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) On September 22, Poloff met with Oromo Liberation
Front(OLF) Chairman Daoud Ibsa in Asmara. Daoud provided
further insight into the state of affairs of the Ethopian
National Defense Force (ENDF) and the OLF efforts in
Ethiopia, following the September defections of two high
level ENDF generals to the OLF in Eritrea. The defections,
Daoud proffered, were indicative of the larger disaffection
of ethnic Oromo,s in the ENDF and divisions within the ENDF
along political lines. Furthermore, according to him, both
the Oromo rank and file and the officers, resent the observed
corruption of the Tigrayan officers.


2. (C) The ENDF, Daoud claimed, presently is engaged in a
Soviet style purge, or self-criticism process, with the aim
of having the ethnic Oromo members of the military
incriminate themselves. According to him, the ENDF sponsors
mandatory meetings for soldiers, encouraging soldiers to
speak openly about their ideas and complaints. Anyone who
speaks out against the government or admits to an
Oromo-ethnic alliance is then treated as a criminal within
the ENDF. Daoud claims that all Oromo members of the ENDF,
officers and enlisted, are under suspicion and arrests are on
the rise. As an example of inter-ethnic tensions, he shared
one story of after the suspected murder of an Oromo soldier,
a Tigrayan soldier turned up dead the next day in
retaliation.


3. (C) Daoud claimed that the OLF was aware of the September
defections of Brigadier General Kemal Gelchu and Brigadier
General Hailu Gonfa long before they occurred, insinuating
the OLF was involved in their coordination. He confirmed
that 250-300 soldiers with their weapons, but no artillery,
came across with General Kemal in August. When pressed as to
where the Generals were residing in Eritrea, he admitted they
were no longer in Asmara. From his lack of response to
whether they were training near Keren, Poloff inferred that
they are likely no longer there, either. Daoud further
alleged that some members of the 10th division who remained
in Ethiopia continue to be loyal to General Kemal, despite
their being under increased scrutiny or incarcerated by ENDF
Tigrinya officers.


4. (C) Comment: Daoud maintains a legal residency in Asmara
and the GSE continues to support him and the OLF, although
the full extent of GSE support is unknown. Daoud claims
material support is limited by virtue of geographic distances
between Oromiya and Eritrea. As the Chairman of the OLF,
Dauod was permitted to meet with the defecting generals and
their troops. His perspective on the situation within the
ENDF echoes reftel report. As for Eritrea,s support of the
OLF, as long as the OLF continues to advocate for the
overthrow of the TPLF, the Eritreans will lend assistance to
support this end. End Comment.
MCINTYRE