His party also wants to make Afan Oromo the co-official language of Ethiopia to empower Oromo people politically, socially and economically.
Critics of the CUD included top UEDF leaders, Dr. Merera Gudina and Dr. Beyene Petros, and also Bulcha Demeksa, Lidetu Ayalew, Hailu Shawel, Birtukan Mideksa, Temesgen Zewdie and Hailu Araya.