Open Letter to the ONLF Leaders

The views, statements and opinion in the article reflects that of the writer’s , NOT borkena.com ‘s 

To the Respected Leaders of the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF),

As you stand at a crucial juncture in the history of the ONLF, I wish to share with you a reflection on the responsibilities you shoulder—not merely as leaders of a movement, but as stewards of a legacy deeply intertwined with the aspirations of an entire people. Your decisions today will echo through the annals of time, shaping the future of the Somali Region, and by extension, the entire Horn of Africa.

In these times of transition, as the ONLF moves from armed struggle to peaceful advocacy and a legally registered political party, it is critical to pause and reflect on the essence of leadership. True leadership transcends the conventional notions of power and authority. It becomes a guiding light, illuminating the path toward collective aspirations and binding people together in unity. The ONLF is not just a political organization; it embodies the hopes, dreams, and sacrifices of countless individuals who fought for fundamental rights, dignity, and freedom.

However, even the noblest of causes can falter when leaders fail to engage in the necessary self-reflection that nurtures growth and resilience. Too often, we see leaders reflecting on the shortcomings of others rather than rigorously introspecting on their own roles and responsibilities. This tendency to project outward prevents the introspection that fosters true understanding and progress.

The internal divisions within the ONLF serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of ego and ambition. The movement, which once stood as a beacon of unity, is now at risk of fracturing under the weight of self-interest. Leadership, particularly in a liberation movement, demands more than governance; it requires a profound commitment to the moral integrity that defines its struggle. You must resist the temptation to view leadership as a personal possession and instead recognize it as a shared duty entrusted to you by the people who believe in the ONLF’s cause.

To betray this legacy for temporary gain or fleeting personal power would not only erase the sacrifices of those who came before but also jeopardize the future for generations to come. Your leadership is not measured by personal triumphs but by your ability to uphold the unity and dignity of the people you represent. At this critical moment, unity is your most powerful weapon against external forces that seek to exploit divisions within the movement. It is only through a steadfast commitment to collective strength that you can resist the provocations that threaten to engulf the Somali Region in chaos.

The protracted and passive discord between the two factions within your ranks, extending over the past four years, is not merely a blemish on your leadership, but a profound failure in addressing the internal fractures that threaten the integrity of the organization. Such inaction not only casts doubt on your capacity to unify the movement at a time when unity is paramount, but it also risks undermining the very foundation upon which your collective strength is built. Prolonged internal divisions are a corrosive force, eroding the cohesion essential for navigating the challenges of these trying times. What you need now, above all, is solidarity—without which, the vision for a shared future may slip beyond reach.

As you continue to navigate this transition, I urge you to stay true to the peace accord. The peace accord is more than a document—it is the compass that guides you through the turbulent waters of political strife. The path of peace is not easy, but it is the only path that honors the legacy of those who sacrificed for the ONLF’s cause. Do not be swayed by those who seek to pull you into conflict; their promises are hollow, and their motives are self-serving. Instead, let the legacy of the ONLF be one of dignity, unity, and a steadfast commitment to the future.

Leadership is not defined by the power you hold but by the responsibility you carry. It is your duty to ensure that the final chapters of the ONLF’s story are written with honor, integrity, and a profound commitment to the people’s struggle. You are the custodians of a history that will shape the future. Act not for yourselves but for the people whose hopes and dreams have been invested in this movement.

In offering these reflections, I speak not as an adversary but as someone who profoundly cared about the enduring legacy of this movement. My words are not born from a desire to critique but from a deep concern for the trajectory of a cause that transcends individual ambitions and momentary victories. As a descendant of leaders who dedicated their lives to a parallel struggle and as a scholar who stands outside the internal intricacies of the ONLF—free from its organizational dynamics and never having been a member—I approach this with the humility of an outsider who is nonetheless deeply intertwined with the aspirations it represents. My connection is to the broader principles of justice and dignity that have guided this movement from its inception.

May you rise above the challenges of today so that future generations may look back with pride, knowing that the sacrifices of the past were not in vain.

With utmost respect and in the spirit of unity,

Mohamud A. Ahmed – Cagaweyne 

+251900644648

Editor’s note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com

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