Minneapolis, August 24, 2025 — Members of the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) gathered at the convention center on August 23 to celebrate the organization’s 41st anniversary. Approximately 2,000 attendees participated in the event, which featured performances by Somali musicians and singers, including renowned singer and poet Mohamud Jaango from London, known for his nationalistic songs advocating for self-determination and the liberation of the Ogaden region.
The highlight of the evening was a powerful speech delivered by Abdirahman Mahdi Madey, Chairman of ONLF. In his address, he reflected on over a century of oppression faced by the Somali people in Ogaden, emphasizing the systemic injustices and the silencing of voices. Madey honored the sacrifices of ONLF members who have suffered in the fight for freedom, stating, “Their courage symbolizes the resilience of the Somali spirit.”
Madey condemned the Ethiopian government’s reliance on repression and its attempts to weaken the ONLF by closing its offices, asserting, “Closing ONLF offices cannot close the minds and spirit of the Somali people yearning for freedom, democracy, and justice.” He reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to a peaceful and united struggle for self-determination, rejecting violence and calling for support from other oppressed nations and democratic forces.
Adding to the political momentum of the evening, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who is running for a third term, and his challenger, Senator Omar Fateh, both addressed the crowd to garner support for their respective campaigns. Their presence underscored the event’s significance and the community’s engagement in local governance.
Ibrahim Aden, board chair of the Ogaden Community in the USA, echoed the importance of unity among supporters. He emphasized the current political uncertainty, stating, “Now is the time to double down on our support for ONLF to achieve our dreams.” Ibrahim affirmed that the Ogaden Community in the USA stands with the people of the Ogaden region in their quest for self-determination. He stated, “The crimes against humanity committed by the Ethiopian government and the local administration in the Somali State (Ogaden region) must stop, and the rights of the people to determine their political destiny must be respected.”
The event also highlighted the historical context of the Somali struggle for unity and self-determination, rooted in the colonial legacy that divided Somali territories. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, European powers carved up the Horn of Africa, leading to the creation of artificial borders that disregarded ethnic and cultural ties. The region was divided among British Somaliland, French Somaliland, Italian Somaliland, the Ogaden region, and the Northern Frontier District (NFD).
The British negotiated with Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia, resulting in the cession of the Ogaden region to Ethiopia, a decision that sowed the seeds of future conflict and injustice. Meanwhile, British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland united to form the modern state of Somalia, while French Somaliland gained independence in 1977. This division not only fragmented the Somali people but also imposed external governance structures that marginalized ethnic Somalis in Ethiopia, leading to decades of oppression and denial of fundamental rights.
“The legacy of colonialism has left a profound impact on the Ogaden region, where communities continue to suffer from political repression, economic neglect, and cultural erasure,” said Noor Ali, who attended the event.
The ONLF was established in 1984 to advocate for the rights of ethnic Somalis in the Ogaden region, and the struggle for self-determination remains a pressing issue for the community.
As the ONLF marks this significant anniversary, the message of resilience and hope resonates strongly among its supporters, both at home and abroad, fueling the ongoing struggle for justice and self-determination. The calls for unity and support reflect a collective determination to overcome the injustices rooted in colonial history and to pursue a future where all Somali territories can thrive together under a single governance.
