Thursday September 12, 2024
Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) spokesperson Abdulqadir Hassan Hirmooge (Caddaani) addresses recent remarks by Ethiopia's military chief, calling for immediate clarification and urging the Ethiopian government to uphold the 2018 peace agreement.
Mogadishu (HOL) — The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) is calling on the Ethiopian government to immediately clarify and retract statements allegedly made by General Berhanu Jula, Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, in which he reportedly described the ONLF as an "enemy" of Ethiopia, allegedly created by Egypt. The ONLF condemned the remarks as false, provocative, and a direct challenge to the peace agreement between the group and the Ethiopian government.
Speaking to the BBC, ONLF spokesperson Abdulqadir Hassan Hirmoge (Adani) expressed surprise at the statements and stressed that they were unacceptable.
"This came as a complete surprise to us. To suggest that we are backing Ethiopian opposition forces is something we view as a deliberate provocation," he stated.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the ONLF said the accusations undermine its legitimacy as a recognized political party and questioned the Ethiopian government's commitment to the peace process. The group urged Ethiopian authorities to either publicly disavow the general's statements or explain their intent, warning that failure to do so could destabilize the peace efforts that have been in place since 2018.
The ONLF said that the remarks were broadcast on Ethio-Forum on September 8, 2024, and have since circulated widely on YouTube. In the video, General Jula allegedly stated that Egypt had historically supported rebel groups like the ONLF to weaken Ethiopia. The ONLF responded by demanding an immediate clarification, adding that it sees these allegations as a "blatant attack" on its legal standing and commitment to peace.
The group also warned that a lack of action by the Ethiopian government would signal a breach of the peace agreement signed between the two sides in 2018. ONLF leadership stressed that the group has fully upheld its commitments to the agreement, which ended hostilities and established ONLF as a legal political party in Ethiopia's Somali region.
"Six years ago, we entered into a peace agreement. Since then, we have conducted our struggle peacefully. Our region has been one of the most stable, and we have committed to a strategic, peaceful approach for the benefit of our people. ONLF's political stance has always been clear—it is based on peace," Adani added.
FILE - Ethiopian National Defense Forces Chief of Staff, General Birhanu Jula, speaks at a public event. His recent remarks, allegedly describing the ONLF as an 'enemy' of Ethiopia, have sparked demands for clarification from the ONLF. (Credit: EBC)
"If the Ethiopian government fails to address this issue promptly, it could signify that they no longer recognize ONLF as a legitimate political party, but rather as an enemy," the ONLF stated. "This would have severe implications for both the peace process and the security of all parties involved."
In the statement, the ONLF said it was founded to fight for the self-determination of the Somali people in Ethiopia's Ogaden region and had laid down arms as part of the 2018 peace deal brokered in Asmara, Eritrea. The agreement ended decades of conflict and paved the way for peaceful political engagement. However, the group pointed out that many core issues remain unresolved, including reparations for past grievances and recognition of historical injustices committed against the Somali people.
While the ONLF acknowledged progress, particularly in ending active hostilities, it criticized Ethiopia for failing to fully implement the agreement. The group estimated that only 20 percent of the promises made under the peace accord have been realized, leaving several critical concerns unaddressed.
Despite the current controversy, the ONLF reiterated its commitment to peace and to pursuing the rights of the Somali people through non-violent means. However, it emphasized that it would not accept actions or statements that could jeopardize its legal status or the trust built through the peace agreement.
"We urge the Ethiopian government to clarify their position swiftly. Silence or inaction will force us to reassess our stance and actions moving forward," the group warned.
The ONLF's comments come as elders from Ethiopia's Somali regional state, led by Gerad Kulmiye Gerad Mohammed, have called on Somalis to "refrain from involving themselves in a war that does not concern them" amid escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa. During a meeting addressing regional issues, the elders emphasized the importance of stability and cautioned that Ethiopia's efforts to secure sea access were for collective growth. Gerad warned that destabilizing Ethiopia would also harm the Somali region.
The elders expressed concerns about external forces interfering in the region, specifically mentioning reports of Egypt sending military equipment to Somalia, which has sparked fears of conflict over the "Nile issue." They urged Somalis to oppose such foreign influences, particularly those not actively confronting threats like al-Shabaab.