Ethiopian Armed Groups Respond Differently to US Call for Dialogue

Three Ethiopian armed groups have differently responded to a statement issued by US embassy in Ethiopia. Ervin Massinga, the US ambassador to Ethiopia, in the message posted on May 23, urged Amhara Fano and OLA to negotiate with the Ethiopian government to find a peaceful solution to the ongoing armed conflicts in Amhara and Oromia regions of Ethiopia. He urged the Ethiopian government to cease drone strikes in Amhara. Later he changed the statement and omitted that part of the statement which asked the government to halt drone strikes in the Amhara region.

Amhara Fano National Force (AFNF), the largest organization of Fano groups in the Amhara region, welcomed US embassy’s call for peace. AFNF put forward a list of preconditions. Several of these preconditions are being seen as “non starter” for negotiations.

AFNF demanded full withdrawal of Ethiopian military from Amhara, dissolution of Amhara regional government, establishment of transitional government in Amhara and formation of an international inquiry commission to inquire into human rights abuses committed in the Amhara region. AFNF raised the controversial issue of territories, demanding that Metekel, Shewa, Raya and Welkait zones should return to Amhara as these zones are originally part of Amhara but they were annexed by neighboring regions.

Amhara Fano People’s Organization (AFPO), another organization of Fano commanders, issued a separate statement. AFPO is led by politician-turned-fighter Eskinder Nega. AFPO only called for end to drone strikes in Amhara and establishment of international inquiry commission to investigate war crimes.

Oromo Liberation Army, the armed group operating in the Oromia region, in its statement, lashed out at the federal government of Ethiopia. It asked the US to link financing to peace. It urged the US to impose sanctions on military and political leaders of Ethiopia and called for formation of an international inquiry commission.

It seems that AFNF and OLA are not interested in negotiating with the government. They do not trust the government. Ethiopian government held 2 round of talks with Oromo Liberation Army over a year ago, but no progress could be made. Fano and the government did not enter into any meaningful discussion in the last 2 years of war-like situation in the Amhara region.

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