Jigjiga, Ethiopia (AX) — The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has recently raised serious allegations against Ethiopian security forces, accusing them of violently disrupting a women’s meeting in Jigjiga on April 24. These claims assert that not only were numerous participants arrested, but several also sustained injuries during the incident. The ONLF contends that this attack is emblematic of a broader crackdown on dissent within the Somali Region, curtailing freedoms and silencing voices that challenge the status quo.
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According to the ONLF, armed security personnel stormed a peaceful gathering of the Ogaden Women’s Association, which was being held at the ONLF’s regional office. During this chaotic interruption, several members of the ONLF were reported injured. Tragically, a notable cultural figure was hospitalized, and multiple officers were unjustifiably detained in the fray. In their press release, the ONLF condemned this action, viewing it as a blatant effort to target unarmed civilians and political activists.
“Today, a peaceful meeting of the Ogaden Women’s Association was violently disrupted by armed security forces. Several ONLF members were injured, a renowned cultural figure was hospitalized, and a number of ONLF officers were unjustly detained,” the front’s statement emphasized.
The ONLF’s condemnation resonates with a growing sentiment among its supporters that this event is not an isolated occurrence. They argue that the armed attack is part of what seems to be an intensifying campaign to stifle political expression and dissent. It comes amid increasing claims that Ethiopian authorities are systematically reversing the political freedoms promised under the 2018 peace agreement. ONLF leaders articulate frustration, stating that Addis Ababa has delivered “barely 20 percent” of its commitments under this deal. What’s behind this unmet promise? Has the dream of peace and autonomy faded, or is it still within reach?
The ONLF’s concerns extend beyond the violent disruption of meetings. They allege that previous operations in Garbo district saw the arrest of the chapter head, who faced an ultimatum: publicly renounce his membership or face imprisonment. His refusal to comply stands as a testament to the resilience of the organization and its members. Yet, this only highlights the precariousness of their situation.
In its statement, the ONLF also leveled accusations against the government of engaging in “state-sponsored” interference, aimed at destabilizing its internal leadership. The group claims that a rival faction, allegedly backed by state actors, has falsely claimed to unseat Abdirahman Mahdi as chairman in favor of Abdikarim Sheikh Muse. Mahdi’s camp has swiftly labeled this development as “fraudulent” and “state-orchestrated,” warning that it represents a significant violation of the peace agreement.
“These are not isolated incidents. They reflect a coordinated campaign to silence dissent, intimidate communities, and reverse the gains made under the 2018 Peace Agreement,” the ONLF declared. The stark reality is that many now view the political space once promised to the Somali people as systematically constricting under coercive pressure.
The ONLF’s statement highlighted the alarming extent of this crackdown, which affects far more than just party members. A tragic casualty was noted: the recent death of a 16-year-old student in detention following a minor schoolyard incident. This ignited further outrage, particularly given reports of harassment against a journalist who sought to interview the boy’s father about the circumstances of his death. Is this the kind of accountability that communities can expect? Or are oppressive patterns becoming standard operating procedure in the region?
Moreover, the ONLF detailed that surveillance, arbitrary arrests, and targeted harassment have become commonplace for activists, artists, and students throughout the Somali Region. Such alarming trends are echoed in different parts of Ethiopia—targeted repression affects entire ethnic communities, be it the Oromo, Amhara, Tigray, Sidama, or Benishangul groups. “The state is unaccountable,” the ONLF asserted, emphasizing that systemic violence does not discriminate across regions.
Amid these tensions, ONLF Chairman Abdikarim Sheikh Mohamed Mahdi expressed to BBC Somali that the movement is considering “alternative avenues,” including the unsettling prospect of renewing armed struggle. This raises important questions: Is violence justified in the quest for political freedom? Can the cycle of conflict be broken, or is history doomed to repeat itself?
The federal government remains steadfast, claiming that the peace deal remains on track. Somali Region President Mustafa Muhumed Omar points to advancements in public services — schools, clinics, and roads — as evidence of progress. Yet, for many, the promises remain unfulfilled, measured not by budgets but by genuine political freedoms.
Recent statements from military leader Gen. Berhanu Jula branding the ONLF as an “enemy created by Egypt” only serve to exacerbate tensions. The group responded with a demand for retraction, interpreting the remark as yet another breach of the fragile peace understood to exist.
Amidst this divisive backdrop, an internal rift within the ONLF itself has surfaced, with differing factions emerging regarding allegiance to the peace agreement—a scenario that some analysts argue could be a strategic advantage for Addis Ababa. Meanwhile, the contentious issues surrounding oil and gas rights continue to fester. The ONLF cautioned Chinese firm Poly-GCL against drilling in the Ogaden Basin without explicit approval from the Somali people, denouncing recent meetings with regional officials as “resource plunder by proxy.”
While federal and regional authorities defend such discussions as necessary for economic growth, the ONLF argues that promised autonomy over natural resources continues to exist only on paper, leaving many feeling disenfranchised.
Hidden beneath the surface, hundreds of ex-combatants, particularly women, are grappling with trauma and limited job prospects, as noted by local NGO Hormud. Rights researchers emphasize that the lack of a tailored reintegration program leaves these individuals vulnerable to renewed unrest. The ONLF remains resolute in its commitment to peaceful political struggle but has warned of a possible return to armed conflict if conditions don’t improve. They continue to call upon the Ethiopian government to honor the 2018 Peace Agreement and end its increasingly violent opposition to political dissent. Will the dreams of peace and autonomy triumph, or will a cycle of violence persist?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring
