In a significant development in Ethiopia’s ongoing conflict, seven rebel groups have come together to form a new alliance aimed at toppling the government led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. This coalition, known as the Alliance for Survival, includes prominent factions such as the Fano militia from Amhara, the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), as well as four other smaller groups.
Background of the Conflict
The coalition accuses the Ethiopian government of engaging in “war, genocide, mass destruction, and fostering extreme poverty,” warning that the nation is on the brink of disintegration. The Ethiopian government has yet to respond to these allegations.
For years, Ethiopia has been embroiled in conflicts, particularly in the Oromia and Amhara regions, which are the most populous areas of the country. The northern Tigray region, which experienced a devastating two-year civil war with massive casualties and displacement, has also seen a resurgence of tensions despite a peace agreement brokered by the African Union in 2022.
Composition and Goals of the Alliance
In addition to Oromia, Amhara, and Tigray, the Alliance for Survival includes groups from the Somali, Afar, and Benishangul-Gumuz regions, covering half of Ethiopia’s 12 regional states. Despite previous hostilities among some of these groups, they have now pledged to unite against their shared adversary.
Abdikadir Addaani Hirmooge, spokesperson for the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), emphasized that the government has failed to honor a 2018 peace agreement in the Somali region. He criticized Abiy’s Prosperity Party for perpetuating conflict and oppression. “Our aim is to foster democracy and self-determination for communities,” Addaani stated.
Political Implications and Responses
The Fano militia, which once supported federal forces during the Tigray war, has since turned against the government in armed rebellion after rejecting disarmament orders. The government has been engaged in conflict with the OLA since 2018.
The announcement of this new alliance follows reports of a potential coalition between the TPLF and neighboring Eritrea. Prime Minister Abiy has expressed confidence in Ethiopia’s defense capabilities, stating, “We do not fear for our sovereignty.”
In the recent general election, Abiy’s party maintained its significant parliamentary majority despite the ongoing conflict and allegations of election-related repression. The election process was notably absent in the Tigray region, where the population of six million was not able to participate.
