Seven Ethiopian armed groups, including former enemies, have formed an alliance to overthrow Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government and establish a transitional administration. The Ethiopian Peoples' Forces Alliance for Survival, unveiled on Sunday, comprises the Tigray People's Liberation Front, the Amhara Fano National Movement, and the Oromo Liberation Army, among others. They accuse Abiy's ruling Prosperity Party of imposing dictatorial rule and pushing Ethiopia toward disintegration.
The alliance members have pledged to establish an inclusive transitional government tasked with ending all wars and organizing a national and constitutional dialogue. They have also urged government troops and their commanders to join and become partners in the struggle to save the country. The groups have appealed for support from civic organizations and the international community.
Abiy's spokesperson, Billene Seyoum, stated that the groups have long collaborated with financial backing from neighboring Eritrea, which Asmara has repeatedly denied. The Ethiopian government claims its national dialogue aims to address political divisions and internal conflicts. Ethiopia has struggled to secure lasting stability since a November 2022 peace accord ended the two-year Tigray war, which killed hundreds of thousands.
The alliance members have competing claims to Western Tigray, which became part of Tigray when regional boundaries were redrawn in the early 1990s. Amhara nationalists dispute that allocation, and their forces took control of the area during the Tigray war. The groups have pledged to resolve their differences peacefully.
The UN has expressed deep concern over Ethiopia's worsening security situation, including the formation of the new armed coalition and reports of continued insecurity and drone strikes. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric urged all sides to avoid actions or rhetoric that could further escalate tensions and recommit to dialogue, stating that military action will not resolve political differences or address underlying grievances.
The Ethiopian government and the international community face increasing pressure to address the country's escalating security situation. The formation of the armed coalition and renewed clashes in Tigray have raised concerns about the country's stability and the potential for further conflict.
The situation in Ethiopia remains volatile, with the alliance's call for government troops to join their cause and the UN's urging for dialogue. The international community will be watching closely as the situation unfolds, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the country's ongoing conflicts.
Key points
- The Ethiopian armed groups have accused Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's ruling party of imposing dictatorial rule and pushing Ethiopia toward disintegration.
- The alliance has pledged to establish an inclusive transitional government tasked with ending all wars and organizing a national and constitutional dialogue.
- The UN has expressed deep concern over Ethiopia's worsening security situation, urging all sides to recommit to dialogue.
