Ethiopian Opposition Parties OFC & OLF Conclude a Key Meeting

Two major Ethiopian opposition political parties OFC and OLF concluded a key meeting on Saturday. The meeting continued from February 19 to 22, 2025.

Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) are based in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. Both boycotted 2021 General Election. Next General Election is around a year away. The two parties have been complaining that the Ethiopian government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is not allowing them to carry out peaceful political activities.

OLF and OFC met in the backdrop of a statement issued by Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) last week which warned the two parties against engagement with ruling Prosperity Party of PM Abiy Ahmed. Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) split with OLF in 2018 and chose the path of armed struggle against government.

OLF delegation was led by Daud Ibsa while Professor Merera Gudina led OFC’s delegation. After concluding their meeting on Saturday, the two parties demanded opening of political space, asking the Ethiopian federal government to respect legal rights of opposition political parties. OLF, in a statement, reiterated its position about Finfinee (Addis Ababa) calling it the capital of Oromia region and part of Oromia.

The two parties agreed to work together to resolve the political, security and humanitarian crises in Oromia. They announced to work together to establish an inclusive “Transitional National Unity Government of Oromia” that includes other key stakeholders.

In its statement, OFC indicated that it is open to dialogue with the federal government and any agreement with the government must be based on concrete facts and a time frame, adding that “mere promises are no longer acceptable.”

It seems that the ruling PP wants to engage OLF and OFC. The ruling party officials are reportedly warning OLF and OFC that a threat from the north requires unity among Oromos. Threat from the north is interpreted as a likely alliance among Amhara Fano, Tigray’s TPLF Debretsion Group and Eritrean government.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed draws his main strength from the Oromia region. A joint opposition comprising OLF, OLF, OLA etc could make it difficult for him to be reelected. It remains to be seen which strategy the two parties will adopt regarding the upcoming General Election.

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