Ethiopia’s struggle for peace: exploring the Oromo question and future interactions with the Abiy government

With the failed peace negotiations between the Ethiopian government and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), various opinions and stances have emerged regarding future interactions with the Abiy administration.

The OLA, viewed as an illegal offshoot of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), claims that the federal authorities have initiated new offensives against them in the wake of these discussions.

Merera Gudina, the chairperson of the Oromo Federalist Congress, underscored the ongoing power struggles, highlighting the uncertainty of peace.

Simultaneously, other pertinent issues, such as the demands for autonomy by Oromo nationalists and concerns over ethnic rights, have also come to the fore.

Jaal Marro, the Chief Commander of the OLA, has reiterated the group’s willingness to resolve the conflict through negotiations.

However, he maintains that the sovereignty of the Oromo people is non-negotiable.

On the other hand, federal authorities insist that the OLA disarm before any further discussions can occur.

Oromo nationalists are apprehensive about preserving their autonomy rights, which are constitutionally safeguarded, and oppose potential changes to the constitution suggested by a government think tank.

Among the demands they have raised are the recognition of Afaan Oromo as a working language of the federal government and a reconfiguration of the administration’s accountability structure, making Addis Ababa accountable to the government of Oromia.

Different Oromo nationalist groups, while advocating distinct methods to achieve their objectives, are united in opposition to alleged government abuses of rights.

Intercommunal tensions, especially between the Oromos and Amharas, further complicate the situation.

The current scenario remains fraught as each party strives to protect its interests.

The Oromo represent a significant portion of the East African population, making up over one-third of Ethiopia’s 99 million inhabitants.

Historically, despite their substantial population size, Oromos have not been central to the political discourse in Ethiopia.

Notably, in a country where identity plays a fundamental role in political affairs, the Oromo, a majority group, have experienced considerable challenges.

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