In the Ethiopian Province of Bale, a popular resistance movement led by a local warlord Wako Guto took an arms struggle against the Amhara rule from 1963 until 1970. The bulk of this movement drew its support from Cushitik-Speaking peoples such as Oromo and Arrusi. He was defeated by Hailla Salasise who forced him to a treaty of friendship and peace and was given the title of Dejazmatch. So before prominent Ogaden ministers pressed for military intervention in Ogaden, we had our share of refugees spilling over into our border, the Arrusi.
Waaqo Guuto visited Mogasho in 1975 in which he was appointed the leader of Western Somali Liberation Front. “He apparently returned to Balle to lead a new and highly successful campaign against the Ethiopian government, this time under the banner of the W.S.L.F,” writes I.M Lewis. Technically, Somalia was not at war with Ethiopia when this W.S.L.F began its campaign but was accused of aiding it, on the International scene, which Somali government denied on several occasions.
Should we say, this Oromo Warlord, Waaqo Guuto, was a prelude to our civil war.
And do you know that Fidel Castro attempted to convince both leaders of Ethiopia and Somalia “a loose social federation, under the Soviet patronage”, which would have given Ogaden a complete autonomy. Siyaad Barre rejected this deal over the aspirations of Ogadeen ministers who wanted a complete secession from Ethiopia.
