Tsimdo Allies Face Internal Splits Amid Fear of War in Ethiopia
Tsimdo allies are facing internal splits amid fear of another war between joint armed opposition called Tsimdo and Ethiopian Federal Government.
Tsimdo alliance consists of Ethiopian opposition groups like TPLF, Amhara Fano, Oromo Liberation Army, Ogaden National Liberation Front and groups from Afar, Sidama, Gambella and Benishangul Gumuz regions of Ethiopia. According to the Ethiopian federal government, Tsimdo alliance is backed by countries like Eritrea, Egypt and Sudan. The countries are allegedly colluding to overthrow Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government.
While threat of war between Tsimdo opposition alliance and Ethiopian federal government is very visible, the opposition alliance is faced with internal divisions. This week, two Fano commanders from the Amhara region disassociated themselves from Fano. Marshet Tsehaye, Gojjam Fano spokesperson, has reportedly surrendered to government forces. Marshet Tsehaye was in dispute with another senior Fano commander from Gojjam named Zenabu.
Another Fano commander who this week opposed the Tsimdo alliance is Eskinder Nega. Eskinder Nega has also reportedly surrendered to government forces. Eskinder opposes ongoing coordination between Amhara Fano and TPLF. Earlier Fano commanders Fantahun and Mesresha laid down arms for similar reasons.
While in Amhara region, Fano is grappling with internal rifts over engagement with TPLF, in the neighboring Oromia region, Oromo Liberation Army is facing internal challenges over engagement with Fano. Jal Jireenya, who has been representing OLA abroad, has been out of touch with top OLA leadership. Reportedly differences between Jal Jireenya and other OLA commanders arose over formation of alliance between OLA and Fano.
