Addis Abebaย โ Shimelis Abdisa, President of the Oromia regional state, has indicated the possibility of peace talks with the โOromo Liberation Army (OLA) Central Zone Commandโ after reports of an internal split within the armed group.
In a social media post on 10ย Octoberย 2024, President Shimelis noted the central commandโs interest in dialogue with the government, calling it โa positive and encouraging step.โ
โIf this group shows genuine commitment through action, our government is ready to welcome them and engage in peace talks, as we have promised,โ Shimelis said.
The presidentโs remarks come after reports of an internal split within the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). Sagni Nagasa, the former commander of the OLAโs central zone and a member of its executive committee, recentlyย toldย BBC Afaan Oromo that the group lacks โbylaws and a constitution.โ
He accused the groupโs leader, Kumsa Diriba (Jaal Marroo), of authoritarian leadership and said he is โopen to talksโ with the government.
โIf the government is willing to engage, we are ready to resolve our issues according to our program. We are open to dialogue if the government opens its doors,โ Sagni said.
In response, President Shimelis reaffirmed that the government would create โfavorable conditionsโ for militants seeking peace. โWe will provide the necessary support for them to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society,โ he added.
Shimelis welcomed the OLA Central Zone Commandโs willingness to engage in peace talks, expressing the governmentโs readiness to create โall necessary conditions for successful discussions.โ
He also emphasized the governmentโs โunwavering commitmentโ to the peace process and called for cooperation from all stakeholders.
Previously, the OLAโs Public Relations Office had denied reports of an internal split, stating that Sagni Nagasa was dismissed from the group months ago โon account of treasonous sabotage.โ
The militarized conflict between OLA and government forces hasย plaguedย the Oromia region leading to considerable loss of life, alleged human rights abuses, and extensive disruption of civilian communities across the region.ย AS
