Somali Ogaden Community in South Africa said on Thursday that it will intensify its efforts towards independence by supporting ONLF, strengthening existing institutions such as Ogaden Youth and Students Union (OYSU) and Ogaden Mother and Child Relief (OMCR),and enhancing media as well as the relationship with their twin Somali brothers beyond the Ogaden region's borders and engaging new and old friends in part of securing self-determination.

"We made a number of important decisions including supporting the ONLF ,stepping up the media,making good relationship with our brother beyond the border as well as effective engagement with our new and old friends in doing so we will secure our full-independence,"said Xayi Yare,a 28-year-old Somali Ogaden activist based on Port Elizabeth.

"We will also stand by Ogaden Youth and Students Union (OYSU) and Ogaden Mother and Child Relief (OMCR) as well as NGOs caring about orphans and disabled".

The Somali Ogaden Community in South Africa concluded its fourth day conference on Thursday electing new leadership and condemning atrocities being committed by Ethiopian security forces in Ogaden region and urged Ethiopian government to lift the Ogaden blockade on the media and aid agencies.