Political Tensions in Ethiopia’s Somali Region

JIGJIGA, Ethiopia (AX) — In a striking turn of events, the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has leveled serious accusations against governmental officials in Ethiopia’s Somali Region. They claim that two of their senior members have been unlawfully detained for over three weeks. This incident, they argue, is not an isolated case; rather, it’s part of a disturbing pattern of political intimidation that jeopardizes the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement.

In a statement released on June 20, the ONLF detailed the distressing circumstances surrounding the arrests of Ayaanle Yaasiin Budul, the party’s chair in Nogob Zone, and Bashir Osman Budul, the chair of the Elweyne District. The men were reportedly apprehended following a violent raid on the ONLF office in Elweyne by armed personnel. To this day, both are held in an undisclosed location without formal charges, legal representation, or even family contact. How does one justify such an infringement on personal liberties, especially in a nation recovering from the wounds of conflict?

Compounding the tragedy, the violence did not spare the office itself; it was ransacked, and the ONLF flag was destroyed. An elderly woman, known to have ties to a former ONLF fighter, also faced wrongful detention for a week on what ONLF described as a “baseless accusation” of renting premises to the party. Her ordeal ended with her release, but without charges or compensation for the distress she endured. Could there be a more poignant illustration of the human cost behind political actions?

According to ONLF, five local and regional officials orchestrated this regrettable event. They pointed fingers at Abdirisaq Mohamed-Nour, Nogob Zone administration head; Mohamed Shurkri Sagal and Anab Ali Sulub, leaders of the Prosperity Party in Nogob and Elweyne, respectively; Abdirashid “Ilkacase,” the district attorney; and Abdulahi “Qubbi,” commander of the Elweyne district police. At the heart of this situation is Somali Regional State President Mustafa Muhumed Omar, a Prosperity Party appointee frequently accused by the ONLF of political interference and oppression.

The arrests emerge against a backdrop of escalating allegations from ONLF about orchestrated efforts aimed at curbing the party’s political activities. Back in March, ONLF publicly accused the federal government of violating the peace accord established in 2018, claiming it was abandoning the constitutional right to regional self-governance. This followed concerning actions by the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) that sought to legitimize a rival faction claiming leadership over the ONLF. What does this mean for democracy and self-rule in a region that long forges its identity from struggle and resistance?

Adding fuel to the fire, reports from April indicated that security forces disrupted a women’s meeting at ONLF’s regional office in Jigjiga, resulting in injuries to multiple members and the hospitalization of a notable cultural figure. This was not a mere incident but a continuation of a disturbing trend of violence and suppression, reminiscent of past grievances in the Garba District where party members faced arrests and beatings.

In yet another statement released in May, the ONLF accused NEBE and the regional administration of “orchestrating a leadership takeover” by endorsing 60 individuals—many of whom were expelled or not affiliated with the party—as part of a new Central Committee. This maneuver, they claim, is a calculated strategy to neutralize ONLF as a political force, a step that could reignite tensions in a region often marred by unrest. Are we witnessing the seeds of conflict being sewn, where past struggles for self-determination might fuel future confrontations?

The ONLF emphasized that these actions are not just political maneuvers but violations of Ethiopia’s Constitution and international agreements like the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. It’s a grim reminder of NEBE’s alleged history of interference, particularly during the Godey Congress results in 2019 and its endorsements of rival leadership in subsequent years.

In response to these alarming developments, President Omar has publicly dismissed the claims, stating in March that his administration remains focused on “expanding essential services and ensuring regional stability.” Yet, one must ask: can true stability be achieved at the expense of political dissent and human rights?

The ONLF has put forth five specific demands: the immediate release of their detained leaders, the restoration of their Elweyne office, an independent investigation into the raid, an end to all forms of political intimidation, and respect for the 2018 peace accord along with constitutional guarantees of regional self-rule.

Furthermore, the party has reached out to international partners, seeking oversight for the welfare of the detained individuals, access to legal representation, and impartial fact-finding missions to assess the human rights conditions in the Somali Region. The 2018 peace deal, which ended decades of armed conflict and allowed ONLF to operate legally as a political entity, now feels increasingly precarious. How long can these fragile agreements survive when faced with systemic undermining?

As the dust settles, one thing remains clear: the delicate fabric of peace is at risk. The future of governance in Ethiopia’s Somali Region hangs in the balance, and the world watches with bated breath.