A second round of peace negotiations between the government of Ethiopia and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), a rebel organization looking to put an end to the protracted conflict in the Oromiya region, ended without a resolution, which was a blow to Ethiopia’s efforts to bring about stability in the region. This is the most recent in a string of fruitless negotiations, highlighting how difficult it is to resolve the ingrained problems in the biggest region of the nation.
Grievances and Unrest in Oromiya
Originally a breakaway faction of an opposition party that had been outlawed, the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) reemerged in Ethiopian politics in 2018. Ever since its rebirth, the OLA has never stopped sounding the alarm about what it believes to be the marginalization and neglect of the Oromiya people. Sadly, this enormous area that surrounds the capital, Addis Ababa, has turned into a hotbed of violence in recent years, taking hundreds of lives.
Even though Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed managed to end the Tigray conflict in 2022, he is still mired in the problem of bringing stability to the unstable Oromiya region. The challenges of resolving the complaints and bringing peace back to Oromiya remain a major and long-lasting challenge for the Ethiopian president.
OLA’s Charges and Government’s Response
The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), in a strongly worded statement, accused the government of failing to address the “fundamental problems” that underpin Ethiopia’s ongoing political and security issues. The fragility of the peace process has been made worse by this failure to address the root causes of instability.
On the other hand, the government continues to affirm its commitment to settling the dispute, highlighting the necessity of an all-encompassing and inclusive solution to deal with the complex layers of discord. In spite of different stories, the disparity in viewpoints highlights how difficult it will be to close the gaps and promote a long-term solution to Ethiopia’s many problems.
IGAD’s Optimism Despite Deadlock
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a well-known trade bloc in East Africa, expressed optimism about future negotiations despite the impasse. The IGAD executive secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, emphasized the vital significance of establishing stability for the Ethiopian people while pleading with both sides to maintain their commitment to the peace process. The international community’s engagement highlights Ethiopia’s internal conflicts’ implications on the region and the world.
Growing Violence in Amhara Raises Concerns
Even though Oromiya has received most of the attention, since late July, there has been an increase in violence between government forces and local militiamen in the neighboring Amhara region. Different from the Oromiya situation, this conflict has made Ethiopia’s security issues more complicated. Amid fears for their region’s autonomy, Amhara nationalists staged protests in April in response to the federal government’s announcement that regional forces would be dismantled nationwide.
Clashes between the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) and native Fano fighters are at the heart of the fierce fighting in Amhara. Locals volunteer for the unofficial armed group known as Fano, which has no known command structure. The fact that Fano was formerly an ally in the ENDF’s war against Tigray is notable and emphasizes the complex networks of allies and rivalries that exist within Ethiopia’s many conflicts.
Finding Peace in a Complex Situation
The path to peace seems complicated as Ethiopia struggles with issues in both Oromiya and Amhara at the same time. An inclusive and nuanced strategy for conflict resolution is required due to the complex web of alliances, long-standing historical tensions, and unresolved grievances. The international community, particularly IGAD, greatly aids Ethiopia’s path to stability. But in order to move forward and create a lasting peace that benefits the entire country, there must be a sincere commitment from all parties.
