The death of the Ethiopian dictator may usher a new era of stability and peace in Ethiopia and in the Horn as a whole. Meles Zenawi's administration has caused unimaginable suffering to the Ogaden people, far beyond any of his predecessors. He has also played great role in creating conflicts and instability in the Horn of Africa in order to perpetuate his regime's dominance and hegemony of the region. The Ogaden National Liberation Front may consider this as an opportunity for the succeeding Ethiopian regime to initiate a new era of peace, stability, freedom and justice for the people of Ogaden and not to pursue the failed policies of the past. ONLF will continue to struggle for the rights of the Ogaden people to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination. ONLF will also work with any progressive open-minded opposition forces who are ready to recognize the rights for self-determination for all nations and nationalities. Finally, ONLF calls upon the international community to promote democracy and freedom in Ethiopia rather than backing a dictatorship.
