Ethiopia: Prime Minister announces talks with Oromo rebels
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announces talks with Oromo rebels that will begin on April 25, 2023. (Illustrative photo) AP - Mulugeta Ayene
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In Ethiopia, the Prime Minister announces negotiations with Oromo rebels. Since coming to power in 2018, his home region has been rocked by incessant violence. Federal and local security forces are fighting the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). According to Abiy Ahmed, the talks will begin on Tuesday, April 25.
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The head of the Ethiopian federal government has chosen Tanzania as a third country to talk with the Oromo rebels. This will be done in the presence of a mediator. Abiy Ahmed did not specify who will play this role.
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The Ethiopian government and people are in dire need of this negotiation " explains the Prime Minister.
In December, in the wake of the signing of peace in Tigray, lawmakers from Oromia Regional State urged Abiy to open talks. Many experts believe that Ethiopia cannot move forward without peace in its most populous region, the one surrounding the capital, Addis Ababa. Abiy Ahmed is from there himself.
When he arrived at the Arat Kilo Palace five years ago, some of the Oromo rebels accepted his outstretched hand, but not the OLA. Since then, the ranks of the latter had swelled. There are regular skirmishes, attacks, many civilians killed and both sides accusing each other.
On Sunday, April 23, according to the Ethiopian newspaper Addis Standard, the OLA confirmed the negotiations.
► READ ALSO: In Ethiopia, a hope of talks in the Oromia region
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- Ethiopia
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