Date : 04/08/2015 Lakk: 18/stm-abo/2015
The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF),
The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF),
The Sheckacho People’s Movement for Democracy and Justice (SHEPMODSOJ),
The Sidama Liberation Front (SLF)
Hereinafter referred to as the Parties,
Whereas united effort among the oppressed people has become essential in the struggle
to stop a continuous and gruesome repression perpetrated by the current regime in
Recognizing the fact that true and lasting cooperation to fight repression could only exist
among the oppressed people and political organization that stand and promote the causes
of the people, including genuine and unfettered acceptance of the right of self-
determination for all peoples in Ethiopia;
Reaffirming their unwavering determination to put an end to the underlying causes of
repression, bloodshed, insecurity, political instability and marginalization in Ethiopia and
the region, which is inflicting severe hardships and suffering on all the people, and
seriously hampers the prospects for sustainable peace, freedom, and the attainment of
equality, social justice, and development;
Reaffirming their commitment to shape political order and system of governance
inspired by the universal aspiration for freedom and founded on the values of justice,
liberty, equality, democracy, good governance, pluralism, respect for the fundamental
rights and freedoms, solidarity, mutual understanding, tolerance and cooperation and the
Convinced that the realization of all these aspirations and ideals demands the
cooperation of the Parties and the coordination of their activities towards the
establishment of a genuine democratic process leading to genuine healing and
reconciliation and lasting peace based on the free will and choice of all peoples
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Conscious that the failure of the opposition political forces to develop mutual
understanding and coordinate their struggle benefited no one but rather contributed in
prolonging tyranny by the TPLF regime and perpetuated the misery and agony of all,
Resolved therefore to bring and guarantee freedom of choice and genuine democracy in
Ethiopia and the region, Have in consequence decided to set up the Peoples Alliance for
Freedom and Democracy (PAFD) and have for this purpose adopted this Statute:
Chapter I – Establishment of the Alliance
The People’s Alliance for Freedom and Democracy hereinafter called “The Alliance” or
PAFD is hereby established. The provisions of this statute shall govern its objectives,
tasks, code of conduct, and organs.
Member organizations shall maintain their respective political programs and enjoy their
organizational independence and autonomy.
The Parties commit themselves to refrain from any act or behavior contrary to the
provisions of the Founding Agreement and make necessary effort to ensure that the
provisions of the agreement are fully respected and implemented.
a. The documents of the Alliance shall be made in English. Certified translations may be
b. The Alliance, in all its activities, would strive to ensure that all languages and the
positive aspects of the cultures they embody receive equal recognition and protection.
Chapter II – Aim of the Alliance
The aim of the Alliance is to establish a working arrangement that:
1. Establish an effective organization that coordinates and directs the struggle of all
member organizations and their respective peoples.
2. Conduct effective joint struggle to liberate all peoples in Ethiopia from EPRDF
tyranny. 3. Advocate, stands for and defends the right of self-determination for all
4. Discloses and addresses the regime’s divide and rule policy by avoiding suspicion,
division, antagonism, marginalization and oppression.
5. These aims shall be pursued through the organs of the Alliance and the coordinated
efforts of member organizations.
6. Create a Transitional Federal mechanism based on democracy, the rights of self-
determination of peoples and respects of human rights that addresses the grievances of all
the nations in Ethiopia by instituting a genuinely representative political order.
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7. Create an interim administration that is based on regional and federal structures that
come through free and fair elections based on the current national regional states, and
newly formed ones whose rights were previously denied by EPRDF. Such an
administration shall have the right to fulfil the duties of government. All the peoples in
Ethiopia shall have genuine representation and ability to veto decisions that adversely
8. Guarantees the supremacy of the rule of law based on the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights and relevant United Nations Covenants.
9. Reaffirms respect for and commitment to the basic norms of international law and the
principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.
10. Conduct free and fair referendum at the end of the transitional period for all peoples
in the states of the transitional federation for the formation of federal or confederal states
of Ethiopia or creation of their own state, after their duly elected regional parliament
request a referendum. Such a referendum shall be managed and supervised by the UN
and any other independent international entity mutually agreed between the requesting
nation and the transitional administration.
11. For those who choose to be part of a federal or confederal Ethiopia, to institute a
federal or confederal system that is just, and democratic, where all human and democratic
rights are fully respected; and the full autonomy of the constitutive states fully
implemented. For those who choose to set up their own state, to establish a positive,
friendly relationship with each other based on mutual respect, cooperation and common
12. Try to amicably resolve conflicts arising in the Horn of Africa thereby laying the
foundations for lasting peace, democracy, stability and development and creation of free
economic and trade partnership.
Chapter III – Functions of the Alliance
1. Start uprooting the oppressive structure of the current regime and replace it with the
federal Transitional Administration.
2. Lay down the structure of the mechanism for the transitional administration in
3. Start to mobilize peoples in Ethiopia to assert their democratic rights and take part in
uprooting this brutal regime and replacing it with a truly representative political order.
4. Coordinate the activities of member organizations by mobilizing and galvanizing their
respective constituencies in order to achieve freedom, lasting peace, and democracy.
5. Pool together the Parties’ resources and talents in order to conduct an effective
campaign in the political, Cultural, diplomatic and military fields.
6. Work together to promote brotherly relations among all the people in Ethiopia by
mitigating and preventing all forms of inter-communal and religious discords.
7. Uphold a culture of peaceful resolution of intrastate and interstate conflicts in the
region and enhancing regional cooperation as a vehicle to create conditions for peace,
stability, economic development, and political integration.
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8. Promote harmony between the Parties and their constituents by overcoming the
history of mistrust through dialogue, mutual understanding and respect; and
9. Advance the development of democratic culture and institutions.
10. Promote friendly relationship with neighbouring countries based on mutual respect
and noninterference in each other’s internal affairs.
Chapter IV – Seat of the Alliance
The Executive Committee shall decide the seat of the Alliance. The Executive Committee
may also establish branch offices where and when necessary.
The Alliance may move its headquarters whenever it becomes necessary.
The members of the Alliance are the Parties to this Statute.
A political organization who believes in the principles of the alliance may be invited or
may itself submit application to become a member. Admission shall be based on the
consensus of the existing members.
A member may withdraw by formally notifying the Alliance of its intention to do so.
Such withdrawal shall take effect a month after the receipt of the notification. Upon its
withdrawal the member shall not have the right to claim any benefit or property.
However, an organization whose membership had been withdrawn without its consent
has a right to be given back its contribution in proportion to remaining period of expiry.
A member of the Alliance that violates the terms and conditions of this Statute may be
suspended from membership by the decision of the Executive committee. A suspended
member has the right to appeal to the Governing Council within three months of the
notification of suspension. The suspension becomes final when the Governing council
decides to uphold the decision of the governing council its first session after the
1. For those rights specifically delegated to the Alliance in accordance with this Statute,
member organizations shall maintain their own independence.
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2. Member organizations, in accordance with this Statute of the alliance, shall have the
full right to express their views and participate in its activities,
3. Member organizations are entitled to petition for the convening of the meeting of the
Governing Council in accordance with this Statute.
4. The Alliance shall have its financial records audited once a year and such report shall
be made available to all member organizations.
5. Member organizations shall refrain from engaging in activities directed against each
other and in any activity that in any way compromises the security of a member
organization. Violation of this article can be a cause for expulsion from membership.
6. Notwithstanding Article 5.5 of this Constitution, member organizations are not
prohibited from expounding their political belief, and recruiting their own members in
accordance with their respective laws, rules and programs.
7. Member organization shall refrain from engaging in any activity that in any way
compromises the security of another member organization.
8. Without prejudice to Article 5.6, member organizations may establish bilateral
cooperation to further coordinate their activities. Such bilateral cooperation shall not be
with other organizations that are antagonistic to a member organization, unless there is a
clear strategic value that will directly or indirectly benefit the alliance and with the
consent of member organizations.
9. Member Organizations shall not join or make other Alliances in Ethiopia with other
political forces without the consent of member organizations.
10. Member organization may establish a relation with any political force from their
people or nation without violation of the core principles of this Statute. Such a
relationship must not endanger or infringe the rights of a member organization and
11. All member organizations shall have the duty to propagate and promote the objectives
of the Alliance, support all its activities and implement decisions taken by it.
Chapter VI – Organs of the Alliance
The organs of the Alliance are:
i. The Governing Council; and
ii. ii. The Executive Committee- at least 2 representatives from each organization- newly
joining members will wait until the next election to participate in the heads of bureau
selection. However they will get an equal share of members in EC and will seconded to
working bureau. The chairperson of the newly admitted organization will participate in
the Chairpersons deliberations.
iii. Auditing Commission and Legal Service Commission
The Executive committee should be members of Governing Council. As an executive
branch, the Executive committee shall be a practically working committee with a very
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The Governing Council is the highest and supreme organ of the Alliance. The General
council shall set and monitor the policy and positions of the Alliance. It elects and
assigns the Executive Committee, Auditing Commission and Legal Service Commission.
a. The Governing Council shall consist of representatives of each member
organization, delegated by its organization from among its leadership.
b. Each member organization shall be entitled to five representatives on the Governing
Council, and each representative shall be entitled to one vote. If an organization cannot
field five members due to limitations, the participating members have a collective vote
c. The head of a member organization shall be one of the representatives on the
Council. The member’s team shall consist of three from the political organ, one youth
and one woman from the Youth and Women’s civic organizations of that member
d. Each representative must be a member in good standing of his/her organization.
e. Member organizations may recall their representatives except the Head of the
Organization, at any time, with or without case, by giving written notice.
f. If the member Organization changed its Head, the newly elected Head of
Organization automatically substitute the position of Outgoing Head of the
The Governing Council shall adopt its rules of procedure and shall elect through
consensus. The Chairpersonship and deputy Chairpersons shall be rotational and every
year it shall be rotated. In general the leadership shall be collective and all the
chairpersons shall have constant consultations on main issues, regardless of who holds
the chairpersonship. The selection of other members of the Executive Committee shall
be made on the basis of consultation between the heads of delegates of member
Subject to the provisions of this Statute, all resolutions of the Governing Council shall
require a two third majority of the representatives of each member organization.
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The Governing Council shall meet in ordinary session twice a year.
The Governing Council may be convened in special session, upon the initiative either of
the Chairman or by a written request of at least by one third member organizations.
Chapter VII – Executive Committee
The Executive Committee is made of the following:
A Presidium of Chairpersons of the organizations who will be composed of a
chairperson, two deputies and the rest of the other chairs. The Chair of the
presidium will head the EC and the First Deputy Chairperson will focus on
Organization Affairs (Finance, R&D, Defence) while the second Deputy Chairperson
will focus on diplomatic affairs (Foreign Relations, Information, HR/HA)
2. Heads of bureau composed of:
a. Head of Political Affairs and Organizational Affairs
b. Head of Foreign Relations
c. Head of Information
e. Head of Research and Planning
g. Social affairs- Human Right/Humanitarian Activities (HR-HA)
1. Each head of the bureau of executive committee shall head a committee
composed of members organizations that will fulfil the duties of the bureau. All the
committee are not members of the EC. Organizations that cannot take that
responsibility will be exempted until such time they are ready to fulfil their duties.
2. The Executive Committee may establish other bodies, as it deems necessary.
3. The Executive Committee shall be responsible to work out the details on the
design of the logo and letterhead of the Alliance and use it.
1. The Executive Committee may temporarily suspend a member organization for
due cause. It may make such decision on account of failure of the member under
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consideration to fulfil its financial 8 obligation. The General Council will reach the
final decision of uphold or rescinding the membership of a suspended member of
2. The appropriate office of the Executive committee shall inform any misconduct
of a member to its respective organization.
3. By-laws regarding the workings and conducts of the alliance members will be
prepared within six months of formation of the alliance by the Executive committee
and approved by the general council in its next held session. Such a By-law shall be
delivered to the General council in good time for adequate deliberation before their
The Executive Committee shall formally report its activities at all sessions of the
The Executive Committee shall hold an ordinary meeting once every three months.
The Committee may choose the manner in which the meeting takes place. The
Executive Committee shall prepare and adopt the internal working rules and
regulations of the Alliance.
The Executive Committee shall prepare and implement the specific criteria of
admittance into the Alliance.
Chapter VIII – Duties of the Officers of the Alliance
1. Represents the Alliance.
2. Uphold and promote the objectives of the Alliance
3. Serves as the chief executive and chief spokesperson of the Alliance.
4. Directs and supervises the Executive Committee in the implementation of the
decisions of the Council.
5. Calls and presides over the meeting of the Executive Committee and the Council.
6. Presents at each regular or special meetings of the Council the report of the
work of the Executive Committee.
7. Co-signs the checks or drafts of the Alliance.
a) First Deputy Chairperson:
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1. Carry out the duties of the Chairperson in the absence of the Chairperson.
2. Execute all other duties assigned by the Chairperson
3. Supervise and direct the activities of his/her focus bureaus.
b) Second Deputy Chairperson:
1. Carry out the duties of the first Deputy Chairperson in the absence of the first
Deputy Chairperson and the duties of Chairperson in the simultaneous absence of
both first Deputy Chairperson and Chairperson.
2. Execute all other duties assigned by the Chairperson.
3. Supervise and direct the activities of his/her focus bureaus.
Political and Organizational Affairs
1. Coordinate the organizational activities of member organizations.
2. Carry out strategic planning activities to increase the capacity and efficiency of
3. Prepare, recommend and if approved, disseminate the public relations policies of
the members organization
4. Coordinate and disseminate joint policies and positions of members’
5. Organize and coordinate the mass organizations of the members.
6. Execute all other duties assigned by the Chairperson.
Head of Foreign Relations:
1. Carry out the diplomatic mission of the Alliance.
2. Building strong relations with governments, NGO and other institutions to win
support for the objectives, tasks and programs of the Alliance.
3. Head the Foreign Relations Committee of the Alliance, composed of foreign
relations bureau of members organizations.
4. Execute all other duties assigned by the Chairperson.
Head of Information:
1. Disseminate information to the public.
2. Build strong working relations with the media to propagate the objectives and
activities of the Alliance.
3. Head the Information Committee of the Alliance.
4. Execute all other duties assigned by the Chairperson.
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1. Manage the financial activities of the Alliance
2. Organize and supervise the Accounting, Fundraising and Treasury sections
3. Head the Finance Committee of the Alliance composed of Finance Bureaus of
member organizations.
4. Serve as a custodian for all the funds and properties of the Alliance.
5. Co-sign the checks or drafts of the Alliance along with the Chairperson.
6. Prepare the financial reports and the budget of the Alliance.
7. Execute all other duties assigned by the Chairperson.
Head of Research & Planning:
1. Head the Research & Planning Committee of the Alliance composed of R&D
Bureaus of member organizations.
2. Collect and analyse relevant information to enhance the work and productivity of
3. Conduct research studies and surveys to gauge the effectiveness and efficiency
4. Provide to the Executive Committee quantitative and qualitative information to
assist in planning, policy-making and decision-making
5. Recommend policy options to the Executive Committee and the Council.
6. Execute all other duties assigned by the Chairperson.
1. Head the defense Committee of the Alliance composed of defense Bureaus of
member organizations.
2. Prepare and propose the joint strategy and action plans of joint military Strategy
of the Member Organization of the Alliance
3. Organize and follow up the implementation of the joint strategy approved 4.
Organize military intelligence gathering and sharing
5. Coordinate member military campaigns to make them more effective and timely
6. Facilitate the formation of liaison between forces of member organizations in
adjacent operational zones and explore ways for joint operations.
7. Draft the guiding principles and structures of the future joint transitional army of
8. Execute all other duties assigned by the Chairperson.
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Head of social affairs
1. Heads the Social affairs Committee of the Alliance composed of social Bureaus of
member organizations.
2. Prepare and propose the joint strategy and action plans of the alliance in regard
to mobilization and foster the development and effectiveness of the Alliance social
organizations and other civic groups
3. Serve as a liaison to build the social network of member organizations
4. Plans and strategies to promote brotherly relations among all parties.
5. Organizes various forums where civic organizations and others can have an
opportunity for dialogue.
6. Coordinates and directs the efforts of associated Human rights groups and NGOs
7. Documents and files the violations of democratic and human rights committed
against the nations and nationalities of all parties.
8. Organizes aid and support for refugees of member organizations and liaises with
UNHCR and the UN agencies.
9. Monitors and advocates for refugees rights of member organization
10. Execute all other duties assigned by the Chairperson
The Secretariat headed by a secretary
1. Liaison inter-departmental coordination with consultation of the Chairperson.
2. During any meeting of the Alliance taking dictation in short hand and preparing
its transcript in the best manner possible.
3. Maintaining in a proper order the documents required to be retained by the
4. To keep a watch over timely submission of reports, statements and scrutinize
5. To receive letters and visitors and see that their requests, complaints, and other
pertaining issues to the Alliance are attended to.
6. Maintaining the secret files.
7. Fixing appointments or cancelling in accordance with instruction given from
Chairperson. 8. Execute all other duties assigned by the Chairperson and/or
Chapter IX Auditing Commission
1. The Committee will consist of at least five memebers or more. One member from
each organizations. At least one must be an accredited accountant and all members
of the Audit Committee shall possess or obtain a basic understanding of financial
reporting and auditing.
2. The Auditing Committee is nominated by the Governing Council and report to it.
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3. The Committee shall have a team leader and secretary from the Commission
members elected by Governing council, except the accountant if not found in the
4. The Auditing Commission proves the reliability and integrity of financial records,
and the preparation of financial statements.
5. It investigates whether the organization has suffered through misappropriation
of assets, manipulation of data, omission of information, or illegal acts
6. Review the reliability and integrity of financial and operating information and the
means used to identify measure, classify, and report such information to the
General council in its session.
7. It prepares a written report that addresses how the Committee discharged its
duties and met its responsibilities. The report shall confirm that the Committee held
separate, private discussions on financial statements prepared by the Finance
8. It reviews the means of safeguarding assets and, as appropriate, verifies the
existence of such assets
9. The Audit Committee shall establish procedures for the receipt, retention, and
treatment of complaints regarding internal financial controls and practices, or
10. The Committee shall sign a non-disclosure clause outside the alliance.
Chapter X Legal Service Commission
1. The commission shall have five (5) members. There will be an elected chairman
2. Monitors compliance of statutes
3. Provides legal opinions to the Executive Committee on any matter or document
requiring such opinions
4. Drafts rules, regulations, orders, and decisions for Alliance where ever needed
5. Represents the Alliance in cases brought before the courts. 6. Interprets statutes.
7. Deals with legal aspects of any complaints.
8. Prepares Alliance’s papers having legal implications
9. Prepares report for Governing Council session.
Chapter XI – Membership Dues
1. The major source of resources for the Alliance shall be from members.
2. There shall be annual membership fee for each member organization set and
reviewed by the Governing Council in their sessions.
3. The fiscal year shall be from April 1st until April 30th.
4. Membership Dues must be paid in full by July 31st within the fiscal year.
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5. Organizations that do not pay their duties will lose their rights to vote initially.
Chapter XII – Settlement of disputes
1. Any dispute between parties of the alliance shall be initially settled through
dialogue between the parties affected.
2. Any other dispute between two or more parties relating to the interpretation or
application of this Statute that is not settled through negotiations within three
months of their commencement shall be referred to the Governing Council.
3. The settlement given by the Council by a 2/3 vote shall be final and binding.
4. Disciplinary clause should be prepared by EC and approved by the Governing
council, within six months of formation of the alliance.
5. More elaborate bylaws regarding disputes shall be prepared by the alliance.
Chapter XIV– Final Provisions
This Statute may be amended or repealed through a consensus of the Governing
Council and it may be made at any regular meeting, or at special meeting called for
this purpose, provided a written notice and intention of the meeting is conveyed to
all member organizations.
This Statute shall enter in to effect on the date it is signed by the Parties.
IN WITNESS WHERE OF, the undersigned being duly authorized thereto by their
respective organizations have signed this Statute and caused it to take effect
The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF),
The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF),
The Sheckacho People’s Movement for Democracy and Justice (SHEPMODSOJ),
The Sidama Liberation Front (SLF)
Hereinafter referred to as the Parties,
