The Ogaden National Liberation Front has denied involvement in a newly formed alliance of Ethiopian opposition and armed groups seeking to remove Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government. In a statement, the ONLF said its name was used without authorization by individuals associated with a rival faction led by Abdirahman Mohamed Sheikh Mahdi. This development has sparked tensions within the organization, which has faced internal leadership divisions.
The ONLF reaffirmed its commitment to a 2018 peace agreement with Ethiopia's federal government, which ended decades of armed insurgency and allowed the movement to pursue its political objectives through peaceful means. The group stated that its commitment to the agreement remains unchanged and that its political strategy does not permit alliances with armed groups involved in conflict. This stance has been a cornerstone of the ONLF's policy since the agreement was signed.
The Ethiopian Peoples' Forces Alliance for Survival was announced by seven groups from different parts of the country, including the Fano Amhara People's Front, Oromo Liberation Front, and Tigray People's Liberation Front. The alliance aims to remove Abiy's government and establish an inclusive transitional administration. However, the ONLF has distanced itself from the alliance, citing a lack of consent for its inclusion.
Abiy's spokesperson, Billene Seyoum, responded to the ONLF's denial, stating that the recent announcement only attests to what the Ethiopian government has been alleging time and again. Billene also mentioned that members of the alliance have been cooperating with financial backing from neighboring Eritrea, a longtime regional rival of Ethiopia. Eritrea has repeatedly denied similar accusations.
The ONLF has faced internal leadership divisions, with rival factions claiming to represent the organization. A faction led by Abdirahman Mohamed Sheikh Mahdi operates outside Ethiopia's Somali Region and has opposed policies of both the regional and federal governments. Some members of that faction have recently raised the possibility of returning to armed struggle.
Another faction, led by Abdikarin Sheikh Muse Qalbidhagax, is based in Jigjiga and operates as a registered political party. The ONLF's statement called on Ethiopia's federal government, the Somali Regional State administration, political parties, civil society groups, neighboring countries, and the international community to recognize its official position.
The situation remains complex, with multiple factions and alliances vying for influence in Ethiopia. The ONLF's denial of involvement in the alliance has significant implications for the region, and it remains to be seen how this development will affect the country's politics. The international community is closely watching the situation, which has the potential to impact regional stability.
Key points
- The Ogaden National Liberation Front has denied involvement in an alliance seeking to remove Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government.
- The ONLF reaffirmed its commitment to a 2018 peace agreement with Ethiopia's federal government.
- The Ethiopian Peoples' Forces Alliance for Survival was announced by seven groups, including the ONLF, which claims it was included without consent.
