Sunday October 27, 2024
FILE - Chief Commissioner of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, Prof. Mesfin Araya, addresses the media during a press briefing
Mogadishu (HOL) — The Ethiopian Dialogue Commission is pressing the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) to reconsider its decision to boycott Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference, a move they say threatens to destabilize the already fragile peace agreement established between the two sides in 2018.
The ONLF, a political organization advocating for the self-determination of Ethiopia’s Somali region, has accused the Ethiopian government of failing to uphold key promises, leading it to withdraw from the conference just days before its planned launch.
The 2018 peace accord, signed in Asmara, Eritrea, was initially celebrated as a transformative deal, ending decades of ONLF’s armed resistance and granting the group formal political recognition within Ethiopia.
However, ONLF leaders claim that only 20% of the agreement’s commitments—such as reintegrating former fighters and resetting displaced communities—have been fulfilled. ONLF spokesperson Abdiqadir Hassan Hirmooge, known as Adani, stated that the group’s patience with Ethiopia’s perceived inaction has run thin. “We maintained peace as agreed, but the government’s failure to uphold its obligations raises serious questions about its dedication to lasting reconciliation,” Adani said, noting that ONLF’s Central Committee will meet later this month to reassess its approach.
The rift between ONLF and the Ethiopian government has deepened in recent weeks following accusations from Ethiopian military chief General Berhanu Jula, who described ONLF as an “enemy” allegedly backed by Egypt. ONLF condemned the general’s statement as both inflammatory and damaging to the fragile peace, urging the Ethiopian government to clarify or retract the remark. “These claims are baseless and dangerous. To suggest we are aligned with foreign powers to destabilize Ethiopia is both false and a serious provocation,” Adani responded, warning that ONLF may reevaluate its commitment to the peace deal if such rhetoric persists.
ONLF’s decision to boycott the National Dialogue Conference reflects broader grievances with the Ethiopian government’s approach to inclusivity. The group accused the ruling party in Ethiopia’s Somali region of handpicking participants for the conference in a way that sidelines dissenting voices. Additionally, ONLF criticized the absence of representatives from key regions, including Amhara, Oromia, and Tigray, arguing that this imbalance undermines the dialogue’s goal of comprehensively addressing Ethiopia’s regional conflicts.
Despite its withdrawal, ONLF stated it remains open to rejoining the process if the dialogue framework is restructured to include all perspectives. “A genuine national dialogue cannot simply echo the ruling party’s stance; it must be rooted in true representation and inclusivity,” ONLF’s statement emphasized, adding that they would consider participating if these conditions are met.
Compounding ONLF’s discontent, the group has reported instances of cultural suppression within the Somali region, claiming the government has pressured Somali elders to renounce their identity. ONLF has also expressed concerns over rumours that Ethiopia may alter the region’s official name and flag, which they interpret as a threat to the Somali cultural identity within the nation.
For ONLF, the ultimate goal remains self-determination for the Somali region, a right supported by Ethiopia’s constitution under Article 39, which grants regional autonomy and even potential secession. Although ONLF has shifted its tactics from armed struggle to diplomacy, its leadership remains committed to the possibility of regional independence. “Self-governance is essential. If we fail to act, we risk losing everything we’ve fought for,” Adani stated recently, underscoring the group’s enduring vision for autonomy.
The Ethiopian Dialogue Commission’s call for ONLF’s participation underscores the essential role that regional voices play in Ethiopia’s search for stability. However, without the active involvement of critical groups like ONLF, Ethiopia’s National Dialogue risks becoming an incomplete attempt at reconciliation, leaving unresolved grievances and deepening existing divisions across the country.