JIGJIGA, Ethiopia (AX) — Mustafa Mohamed Omar, widely recognized as Mustafa Cagjar, the President of Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State, has firmly rejected recent allegations asserting that his administration played a role in sowing division within the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF). These claims originated from a faction of the ONLF, which has accused the regional government of intentionally causing a schism within the organization.
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In a revealing interview with BBC Somali, President Cagjar dismissed these accusations as unfounded. “Our government has not exerted any pressure on the ONLF,” he stated emphatically. He also reassured listeners that no members of the ONLF are currently imprisoned, nor have any of the group’s offices been forced to shut down. It’s important to note that context is often lost in political discussions; while tension undoubtedly arises between differing groups, the specifics can get obscured.
“There is no individual or office from the ONLF that has been closed,” Cagjar explained, elaborating on a recent incident. An alleged killing during a meeting led to a temporary halt in proceedings, which he said required police intervention. “While some individuals were briefly detained, nothing beyond that occurred.” This statement sheds light on the chaotic nature of political dynamics—an incident here, a misunderstanding there, and suddenly it spirals into widespread allegations.
The roots of these allegations can be traced back to Abdikarim Sheikh Mahdi, known as Maaday, who leads an exiled faction of the ONLF. Claiming the title of the party’s rightful chairman, he has persistently accused Cagjar’s administration of fostering internal discord. It’s intriguing to consider how personal loyalties can shape public narratives. When stakeholders feel sidelined, accusations can fly, even if the realities might be more complex.
The ONLF’s history is steeped in a lengthy insurgency that aimed for Somali self-determination. They signed a significant ceasefire in 2018 under the reformist agenda of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, which promised greater autonomy for the Somali Region. Most importantly, it aimed to integrate ONLF combatants into mainstream politics. Yet, as time has gone on, officials from the ONLF have begun to voice their frustrations, claiming that these promises remain unfulfilled.
As a consequence, the organization has split into two factions. On one side, there’s the group led by Abdikarim Sheikh Muse (Qalbidhagah), which functions within Ethiopia and carries official recognition. On the other, Maaday continues to operate from abroad, seemingly locked in a battle for legitimacy and recognition. This dichotomy wonderfully illustrates the complexities of modern political movements. How do you reconcile differing visions within a single organization?
In a series of candid public statements, Maaday has criticized both Cagjar’s administration and the federal government for allegedly employing ‘divide-and-rule’ tactics aimed at destabilizing the ONLF from within. During an earlier interview with BBC Somali, he stated, “They back people who claim to have ousted us, then tell both sides to reconcile. That violates the spirit of the agreement.” Such assertions demand reflection—do these tactics truly serve the greater good, or are they merely short-term fixes to long-standing issues?
President Cagjar has been clear on the legal boundaries of his authority, stating that it is not within his government’s power to license political parties. “Power resides with Ethiopia’s National Electoral Board,” he clarified. “If the ONLF has concerns about legal registration, they should take them up with the relevant federal institutions. And if they wish to return, we extend a warm welcome.” His outstretched hand invites dialogue, highlighting a desire for reconciliation that many might hope for amidst political chaos.
The intrigue escalated further over the past few weeks, particularly following a controversial meeting involving Somali Region officials and Poly-GCL, a Chinese energy company engaged in oil and gas extraction in the Ogaden Basin. The ONLF has condemned these meetings as violations of local sovereignty, warning of “repercussions” should the company proceed without public consent. The emotional weight of resource control cannot be overstated; it’s a matter of dignity for local communities who often feel that decisions regarding their land and resources occur far from their gaze.
The ONLF has long argued that local communities have endured marginalization in decisions involving hydrocarbons and mineral rights. Spokesperson Adani Hirmoge’s recent comments resonate with a heavy truth, saying, “If the political and economic marginalization continues, we may abandon the peace agreement entirely. We laid down arms to seek our rights together with the regional government, but promises made have not been honored.” Herein lies the crux of the matter: the fragility of peace and the essential need for trust and accountability.
In a bold rebuttal, Cagjar pushed back against the idea that the group might once again return to armed struggle. “The conditions that once allowed armed groups to operate no longer exist,” he asserted confidently. He also hinted at Maaday’s faction potentially maintaining ties with foreign governments, though he declined to go into specifics. Such tangled webs of international relations add layers to an already intricate political scenario.
Founded in 1984, the ONLF once stood as Ethiopia’s most prominent armed rebel group in the Somali Region. However, the movement’s shift into formal politics has been plagued by ongoing infighting, with both factions exchanging accusations about the legitimacy of the 2018 peace agreement. This back-and-forth begs the question: at what point does a vision for unity drown under the weight of personal ambitions?
In this ever-evolving landscape, one takeaway remains clear: the path to genuine reconciliation is paved with understanding, dialogue, and most crucially, action.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
