Peace talks between the Ethiopian government and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in Tanzania ended without an agreement, deepening the crisis in Ethiopia’s Oromia region. The negotiations, critical for resolving a long-standing insurgency, concluded in a stalemate, officials from both sides announced.
The OLA, a splinter faction of the Oromo Liberation Front, has been involved in a low-intensity conflict in Oromia, Ethiopia’s most populous region. This group, labelled as a terrorist organization by the Ethiopian government in May 2021, claims to advocate for the Oromo people, who comprise about 35% of the national population.
National Security Advisor to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Redwan Hussein, attributed the failure of talks to the OLA’s “intransigence” and “unrealistic demands.” He emphasized that the Ethiopian government’s negotiation approach was grounded in principles of national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and respect for constitutional norms. On the other hand, the OLA has accused the government of overlooking fundamental issues that fuel the country’s ongoing security and political challenges.
This recent attempt at negotiation, facilitated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) with international observers from the United States and Norway, underscores the complex political dynamics in Ethiopia. Despite a peace agreement in the northern Tigray region in 2022, Ethiopia continues to grapple with internal conflicts, including a recent rebellion in the Amhara region.
The OLA, with an estimated strength of 3,000 fighters, primarily operates in the western and southern areas of the Oromia Region. The region has been the site of significant violence, including attacks on civilians, contributing to the instability and humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia.
Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD’s Executive Secretary, called for a renewed commitment to the peace process, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in conflict resolution.
Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic landscape, marked by historical grievances and tensions, poses a formidable challenge to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration. The government faces the arduous task of addressing these issues while maintaining national stability and fostering development.
