"Boycotting elections is handing the field to the ruling party for free; the political reality of Oromia demands determined participation, not abandonment of the field."
-- Former OFC leader Desta Dinka
Addis Abeba,-- Legal professional Desta Dinka, who previously served as Chairperson and Secretary General of the Joint Council of Ethiopian Political Parties, Deputy Secretary General of Medrek party, and an Executive Committee member of the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC), has severed his long-standing ties with the OFC and launched a new nationwide political party.
Desta began his political career in 2006 with the Oromo National Congress (ONC). In 2010, he joined the Oromo People's Congress (OPC) in protest against what he described as the party leadership's alignment with the government. When the OPC and the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement (OFDM) merged to form the OFC in 2012, he played a key role as a founding member and senior leader. During his tenure, he chaired the youth wings of both the OFC and Medrek. In 2014, he also served as a principal coordinator in establishing a lawyers' committee that provided legal defense for citizens and students detained during the Master Plan protests.
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Explaining his departure from the OFC, Mr. Desta cites sharp disagreements over political strategy following the reform period, which he argues weakened veteran opposition parties, as well as fundamental differences over the party's decision regarding participation in the sixth national elections. Following his resignation, he initiated the process of registering a new political organization--the Federal Democratic Party--with the National Election Board of Ethiopia.
In an interview with Addis Standard journalist Miftah Shiferaw, Desta discussed his reasons for leaving the OFC, the vision of his new party, and his views on Ethiopia's political future. The interview is presented below.
Addis Standard: Mr. Desta, thank you for agreeing to this interview. To begin, what were the core differences in outlook or ideology that led to your departure from the OFC?
Desta Dinka: The difference was fundamental. From the outset of the reform period, I disagreed with the assumption that "EPRDF minus TPLF would automatically lead to a democratic transition." I view politics much like a school competition or a football match--no matter how rough the field is, you have to play. Boycotting elections simply hands the field to the ruling party for free.
During the sixth national elections, I strongly argued that the OFC should participate. Even when political space is limited, elections remain the only legal platform through which political actors can connect with the public and gain a voice. The political reality of Oromia demands determined participation, not abandonment of the field.
Addis Standard: Why was it not possible to resolve these internal disagreements through dialogue, rather than leaving a veteran party to establish a new front?
Desta Dinka: Ethiopian politics is shaped by a "politics of conspiracy," rather than a culture of dialogue. Many politicians from the 1960s E.C. generation still believe that political success can only be achieved through intrigue. They lack a culture of sincerity and respect for the rule of law.
We sought a generational transition within the OFC, but the veteran leadership was not prepared for it. My vision was to bring together new, educated citizens capable of offering national solutions. That vision could not be realized within the existing structure.
Addis Standard: Your new party places constitutionality and the rule of law at the center of its agenda. What concrete policy alternatives do you propose that distinguish it from both the OFC and the ruling Prosperity Party?
Desta Dinka: Our principal policy objective is to transform what currently exists as "rule by law" into genuine "rule of law." Government institutions must be subject to the law, not above it. Drawing from experiences such as Kenya's, we will promote accountability mechanisms that ensure public officials remain answerable even after leaving office.
We also seek structural reforms to ensure that police and security institutions operate strictly according to the law, free from political manipulation.
Addis Standard: You have described your new party as nationwide. Will its focus remain on Oromia, or will it prioritize broader federal reform?
Desta Dinka: Our party is nationwide in both membership and outlook. We already have members from more than seven regions, including the South, Central Ethiopia, Sidama, Amhara, Tigray, Afar, and Oromia. While we clearly understand the specific demands of the people in Oromia, we believe sustainable solutions can only be achieved when the rule of law and the federal system are respected nationwide.
Our aim is to establish a political order that guarantees equality for all citizens, not one that advances the interests of a single region.
Addis Standard: You have said publicly that your party "will not be a servant to the government." What assurances can you give that it will not develop a relationship closer than strategic cooperation with the ruling Prosperity Party?
Desta Dinka: I am not someone who can be bought for personal gain. Since the reform period, many have undermined the political space by being enticed with benefits such as housing, positions, or vehicles. Had we chosen alignment with the ruling party, we would not be struggling with budgetary or office constraints today.
To preserve our independence, we rely solely on modest contributions from our members. Our political independence is not for sale.
Addis Standard: Does the emergence of a new party weaken the opposition, particularly at a time when a National Dialogue is being discussed?
Desta Dinka: This is not a division; it is an alternative. When differences in quality and ideas exist, forming a new political front strengthens democracy rather than weakens it. As for the National Dialogue, the inclusion of new, transparent perspectives enriches the process. What we seek is a genuine and inclusive dialogue--not a symbolic exercise conducted merely for appearance.
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Addis Standard: You have emphasized that politics must be separated from violence and armed struggle. What concrete steps will your party take to promote a culture of dialogue and peace?
Desta Dinka: Those of us who are educated have a responsibility to guide society toward better paths. We aim to remove politics from cycles of conflict and resentment and bring it to the negotiating table. We will encourage young people to engage in ideas, organization, and peaceful political participation rather than armed struggle.
This is why generational transition and modern political practices are central principles of our party.
Addis Standard: Establishing a new political party requires significant resources. How is your party funded?
Desta Dinka: Our sole source of funding is contributions from members and supporters. Budgetary constraints are currently our greatest challenge, but we have chosen this path deliberately to safeguard our independence.
Addis Standard: Are other members of the OFC leadership or base joining your new party?
Desta Dinka: Leaders from the OFC's Executive and Central Committees have joined us. We do not pressure anyone to join us. However, we welcome all citizens who value transparency, peaceful struggle, and principled politics to join us voluntarily.
Addis Standard: Mr. Desta, thank you for your time.
