Seven Ethiopian rebel groups have announced the formation of a new alliance, known as the Alliance for Survival, with the goal of removing the government in Addis Ababa. The groups, which have been active in various parts of the country for years, accuse Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government of presiding over "war, genocide, mass destruction, and utter poverty". They claim that Ethiopia is at risk of disintegration.
The alliance brings together a range of rebel groups, including the Fano militia in Amhara, the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). These groups have been fighting the Ethiopian authorities in different parts of the country for years. The Fano militia, for example, fought alongside federal forces during the Tigray war but later turned against the government in an armed insurgency.
The new alliance includes groups based in several regions, including Oromia, Amhara, Tigray, Ogaden, Afar, and Benishangul-Gumuz. These regions make up half of Ethiopia's 12 regional states. The formation of the alliance has significant implications for the country's stability, particularly given the ongoing tensions in the northern Tigray region.
The Tigray region has been a focal point of conflict in recent years, with a two-year civil war leaving hundreds of thousands dead and displaced millions. An African-Union peace deal ended the war in 2022, but there have been fears of a return to full-scale conflict. Both sides have accused each other of violating the agreement.
The announcement of the Alliance for Survival coalition comes months after reports of an alleged alliance between the TPLF and neighbouring Eritrea. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed responded by saying he had faith in Ethiopia's "defensive capabilities". He told lawmakers in July that even if others were added to the alliance, he did not have "an iota of fear regarding Ethiopia's sovereignty".
The country held a general election in June, with Abiy's Prosperity Party retaining its overwhelming parliamentary majority. However, the poll was overshadowed by conflict, accusations of repression, and low participation by opposition parties. The Fano and OLA rebel groups rejected the election and its results.
The formation of the Alliance for Survival has raised concerns about the potential for further conflict in Ethiopia. The government has yet to respond to the announcement, but it is clear that the country faces significant challenges in terms of stability and security. The situation will be closely watched by regional and international observers.
Key points
- The seven rebel groups have formed an alliance to remove the government in Addis Ababa, citing human rights abuses and economic mismanagement.
- The alliance includes groups based in several regions, including Oromia, Amhara, Tigray, Ogaden, Afar, and Benishangul-Gumuz.
- The formation of the alliance has significant implications for Ethiopia's stability, particularly given the ongoing tensions in the northern Tigray region.
