Oromo conflict (2021)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Oromo conflict in 2021 is an armed conflict between the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), which split from the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) in 2018,[1] and the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), continuing in the context of the long-term Oromo conflict, typically dated to have started with the formation of the Oromo Liberation Front in 1974.[2]

Background[]

Main article: Oromo conflict
See also: Ethnic discrimination in Ethiopia

The Oromo conflict dates back to at least the formation of the Oromo Liberation Front in 1974, with insurgencies starting in the 1960s in response to perceived injustices by the groups in power against Oromo people.[2]

Relation to Tigray War[]

Main article: TDF–OLA joint offensive
See also: Tigray War and Ethiopian civil conflict (2018–present)

In March 2021 during the Tigray War, a division of the Eritrean Defence Forces left Tigray Region and arrived in Oromia Region to fight against the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), according to Freedom Friday.[3] On 11 August 2021 the OLA leader Kumsa Diriba announced that the group had formed an alliance with Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and that there were plans among opposition groups to establish a "grand coalition" against prime minister Abiy Ahmed, himself an Oromo.[4]

In Irreechaa celebrations in early October, protestors chanted against Abiy Ahmed and in favour of OLA commander Jaal Marroo.[5] By late October, the OLA controlled much of the former Wollega province.[6] On 31 October, the OLA took control of Kamisee in the Oromia Zone of the Amhara Region, at the same time as the Tigray Defense Forces took control of Kombolcha, about 50 kilometres to the north.[7]

On 1 November, Jaal Marroo said that the OLA had taken "several towns in western, central, and southern Oromia, facing little resistance from government forces who were retreating."[8]

During early and mid-November, a TDF–OLA joint offensive took several towns in North Shewa zone of Amhara Region along a major road leading south from Tigray Region to the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, appearing to threaten a military attack on Addis Ababa.[9]

References[]

  1. ^ Shaban, Abdur Rahman Alfa (7 August 2018). "Ethiopia govt agrees peace deal with Eritrea-based 'ex-terror' group". Africanews. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 12 August 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Insurrection and invasion in the southeast, 1963-78" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-12-26. Retrieved 2017-06-01.
  3. ^ "Report: 'Eritrean troops despatched to Oromia'". . 2021-03-22. Archived from the original on 2021-03-22. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
  4. ^ Anna, Cara. "Ethiopia Armed Group Says it Has Alliance with Tigray Forces". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 2021-08-13. Retrieved 2021-08-24.
  5. ^ "News: Protests break out at Irreecha Hora Finfinne festival in Ethiopia's capital". Addis Standard. 2021-10-02. Archived from the original on 2021-11-01. Retrieved 2021-11-01.
  6. ^ Zewdu Teshome, Moges (2021-10-20). "We must end the civil war to save Ethiopia". . Archived from the original on 2021-11-01. Retrieved 2021-11-01.
  7. ^ "Tigrayan and Oromo forces say they have seized towns on Ethiopian highway". TimesLIVE. 2021-11-01. Archived from the original on 2021-11-01. Retrieved 2021-11-01.
  8. ^ "Oromo Liberation Army: On the ground with Ethiopian fighters". BBC News. 2021-11-01. Archived from the original on 2021-11-01. Retrieved 2021-11-02.
  9. ^ Walsh, Declan; Marks, Simon (2021-11-02). "Ethiopia Declares State of Emergency as Rebels Advance Toward Capital". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2021-11-16. Retrieved 2021-11-16.
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