Oromo regional state is opposing the transfer of well over 51,000 housing units to residents, the draw ceremony took place yesterday, of Addis Ababa, according to a report by FanaBC which cited statement sent to it from Oromia Regional State.

The condominiums have been under construction for many years now after government reportedly paid out compensation to farmers who gave up lands for the development of the condos in Koye Fechu area in the outskirts of Addis Ababa which many call an African capital by virtue of the fact that the continental organization OAU is in the city, among other things.

The regional state, in essence the OPDO Junta for it is running the region, wants the city administration not to implement transfer of the Condos – apparently to residents of Addis Ababa who have been on the waiting list and saving for for years.

Boundary issue between Oromo regional state and Addis Ababa City administration need to be straighten out first, the regional state asserted authoritatively.

Until then, says the statement from the regional state, “It is not right to transfer condominiums built within the border of the region [Oromia] to beneficiaries”

Its stand on the matter is informed by the need to ensure that people, a reference to ethnic Oromo in this case, is beneficiary , not out of a conviction of “hate for nations and nationalities values of living together,” says the the statement in an apologetic tone.

Furthermore, the ethnic Oromo party, whose leaders are now dominating most of the Federal Government institutions, claims that Addis Ababa and other issues related to it were shelved to be resolved in the order of importance based on consensus reached during “tehadso,” but it did not spell out as to which entities were parties to the “consensus.”

The regional state believes that works in Addis Ababa and its surroundings should not be carried out without the recognition of the region’s people and the regional government.

We will keep you updated with the latest developments and updates from the region.

Halgan Mediaz