Read this letter of Condolance!

His Excellency Jacob G Zuma

President
Republic of South Africa
Dear Mr. President:
It is with feelings of great sorrow that we in the Oromo Liberation Front and the Oromo people at large
learned the passing of Mr. Nelson Mandela, the first elected President of South Africa and a true freedom
-fighting icon. On behalf of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and the Oromo people, I wish to convey
my deepest condolences and sympathies to you and the people of South Africa during this time of
national mourning. The passing of Former President Mandela is a tremendous loss not only to South
Africa and Africa alone but to the whole world.

The world and Africa in particular has lost an extraordinary statesman; a true freedom fighter whose
moral strength, dedication and determination liberated his people from the evil of apartheid and set a
genuine example for the rest of world. This gallant son and leader of Africa, through his unconditional
sacrifices and heroism transformed his beloved country, South Africa, into peaceful multiracial nation
that continues to serve as an example of a true and genuine national reconciliation in the world.
We, Oromo, have very fond memories of Mr. Mandela’s secret visit to our country in 1962, where he
was hosted by General Taddasa Biru, an Oromo hero, founder of the OLF and leader who was murdered
by the Ethiopian regime in 1975, while in struggle for the liberation of his own people. General Taddasa
Biru trained and prepared Mr. Mandela for armed struggle. Because of this connection in particular, Mr.
Nelson Mandela has become a source of inspiration for those of us struggling for freedom, equality,
peace and reconciliation. We will greatly miss this freedom icon and giant son of Africa.
History will remember President Nelson Mandela as a great man and hero. Nobel laureate Nelson
Mandela’s legacy will live on and inspire generations to come.
At this moment, our prayers are with the people of South Africa and President Mandela’s family in
particular and we hope that they will find strength and solace to overcome their sorrow during this period
of deep grief.
May his soul rest in eternal peace!
Yours Sincerely,
Dawud Ibsa
Chairman
Oromo Libertion Front– National Counci