Ethiopian government is refusing to talk to the armed group operating in the Oromia region. Jawar Mohammed, prominent politician from Oromia, disclosed that today.
Jawar said that WBO (OLA) is ready to join the 3rd round of talks with the government but the government is refusing. Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) has been operating in the Oromia region of Ethiopia for years. The armed group is in control of several zones in the Oromia region. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government held two rounds of talks with the Oromo Liberation Army in Tanzania around a year ago, but both sessions ended with no progress.
When the second round of talks between the two parties collapsed in November last year, the Ethiopian delegation accused OLA of making unrealistic demands at the talks. Demands included the establishment of transitional government in Oromia, determination of status of Addis Ababa and Affan Oromo, exercise of article 39 about self determination etc.
Over a month ago, Oromia regional security officials claimed that the Oromo Liberation Army was going to be crushed in 2-3 months. Since then the fighting between OLA and the government forces has been intensifying in the region. It seems that the government hopes to crush the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) soon.
Jawar Mohammed, 3 days ago, accused the Ethiopian security forces of conscription and kidnapping for ransom. He was released from prison around 3 years ago. Since then, he has been keeping it low key and staying abroad.
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