In a bid to quell five years of unrest in Oromia, Ethiopia’s largest and most populous region, the Ethiopian government and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) are engaged in fresh negotiations in Tanzania, according to a diplomatic source on Wednesday.
Designated as a “terrorist organization” by Addis Ababa, the OLA has been in conflict with Ethiopian authorities since its split from the historic Oromo Liberation Front犀利士 (OLF) in 2018, coinciding with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s rise to power and the OLF’s renouncement of armed struggle.
The undisclosed source revealed that talks have been ongoing for ten days in Tanzania, with the East African bloc Igad playing a key role in mediating. The diplomat, speaking anonymously, expressed optimism, stating, “It’s going very well. Both parties are optimistic about a (future) agreement.”
The current round of talks follows a previous attempt in late April and early May, which concluded with persistent disagreements. Despite mutual willingness to continue negotiations, the OLA accused the Ethiopian government of launching an offensive contrary to the “hoped-for de-escalation” just ten days later.
Observers often characterize the OLA as a decentralized “franchise” with relatively autonomous groups, some possibly motivated by criminal interests. While the OLA’s strength has grown in recent years, many consider it insufficiently organized and armed to pose a significant threat to federal power in Addis Ababa.
Oromia, covering a third of Ethiopia’s territory, is a region marred by complex violence, encompassing internal political strife, territorial disputes, animosities between communities, and a surge in armed banditry. Ethnic massacres, particularly in the Wollegas area, have heightened tensions, with the OLA accused by the government of responsibility, a claim the OLA consistently denies.
Apart from Oromia, Ethiopia grapples with various unrelated conflicts tied to identity and territorial disputes, amplifying the challenges faced by the federal government.