Information on the Oromo People's Democratic Organisation (OPDO) and its relationship with the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) [ETH23559.E]

Information on the above-mentioned topic is scarce among the sources consulted by the DIRB.

The OPDO was created by the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), which is the group currently in power in Ethiopia (INS Dec. 1994, 10; Inter Press Service 10 May 1995). Both political formations are reportedly closely linked (New African Oct. 1995, 32).

Negasso Gidada, the current president of Ethiopia, is a member of the OPDO (HRW 1996, 19; Africa Research Bulletin 31 Oct. 1995, 12001; Ethiopian TV Aug. 1995).

Recent information specific to the relationship between the OLF and the OPDO is currentently unavailable to the DIRB. However, please find attached recent articles which describe the climate between the central authority and the OLF.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References


Africa Research Bulletin Political, Social and Cultural Series [London]. 1-31 October 1995. Vol 132, No. 10. "Ethiopia: President Dr. Negasso Gidada."

Ethiopian TV [Addis Ababa, in Amharic]. 22 August 1995. "Ethiopia; Parliament Elects New President." (BBC Summary 23 Aug. 1995/NEXIS)

Human Rights Watch (HRW). 1995. Human Rights Watch World Report 1996. New York: Human Rights Watch

Immigration and Naturalisation Service (INS) Resource Information Center. December 1994. Profile Series: Ethiopia: Update on Political Conditions. Washington, DC: United States INS Resource Information Center.

Inter Press Service. 10 May 1995. Moyiga Nduru. "Ethiopia-Election: Fragmented Opposition Fails." (NEXIS)

New African [London]. October 1995. Andrew Lycett. "Ethiopia: Meles Zenawi Drops To The Top."

Attachments


Africa Research Bulletin Political, Social and Cultural Series [London]. 1-31 October 1995. Vol 132, No. 10. "Ethiopia: President Dr. Negasso Gidada."

Amnesty International. 1995. Amnesty International Report 1995. New York: Amnesty International USA, pp.129-130.

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1995. 1996. United States Department of State. Washington, DC.(Electronic version received from Resource Information Centre, US Immigration and Naturalisation Service).

Ethiopian TV [Addis Ababa, in Amharic]. 22 August 1995. "Ethiopia; Parliament Elects New President." (BBC Summary 23 Aug. 1995/NEXIS)

Horn of Africa Bulletin. July-August 1995. Vol. 7, No 4. "Tightened Security," p. 4

_____ March-April 1996. Vol. l7, No 2. "OLF: More than OLF Members on Trial," p.2.

Human Rights Watch (HRW). 1995. Human Rights Watch World Report 1996. New York: Human Rights Watch

Immigration and Naturalisation Service (INS). Resource Information Center. December 1994. Profile Series: Ethiopia: Update on Political Conditions. Washington, DC: United States INS Resource Information center.

Inter Press Service. 10 May 1995. Moyiga Nduru. "Ethiopia-Election: Fragmented Opposition Fails." (NEXIS)

Manchester Guardian Weekly. 2 January 1994. Jean Helene " Defiant Ethiopian Leader Boycotts Peace Conference," (NEXIS)

New African [London]. October 1995 Andrew Lycett. "Ethiopia: Meles Zenawi Drops To The Top," p. 32

Additional Sources Consulted


Africa Confidential [London]. 1994 to present.

Africa Events [London]. 1994 to present.

Africa News [Durham, NC]. 1994 to present.

Africa Report. [New York]. 1994 to present.

L'Afrique contemporaine [Paris]. 1994.

Countries of the World and Their Leaders Yearbook. 1988-present.

The Europa World Year Book. Yearly. 1994-1995.

Foreign Broadcast Information Service (FBIS) Reports.

Indexed Media Review (IMR)

Indian Ocean Newsletter [Paris]. 1994 to present.

Keesing's Record of World Events. 1994-1995.

News From Africa Watch [New York]. 1994-1995.

Political Handbook of the World. 1994-1995.

On-line searches of media articles.

Oral Sources
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