Mogadishu (AX) — The Ethiopian Dialogue Commission is urging the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) to reevaluate its choice to withdraw from Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference. This decision, according to the Commission, could potentially destabilize the delicate peace deal between the two parties, established back in 2018.
ONLF, which champions the cause for self-determination in Ethiopia’s Somali region, blames the government for reneging on crucial commitments, prompting them to abandon the conference mere days before it was set to start.
The peace agreement of 2018, inked in Asmara, Eritrea, was heralded as a landmark accord, putting an end to the ONLF’s long-standing armed struggle and granting them official political status within Ethiopia.
Nonetheless, ONLF leaders allege that only a fifth of the promises—like reintegrating ex-combatants and resettling displaced communities—have been delivered. ONLF spokesperson Abdiqadir Hassan Hirmooge, better known as Adani, mentioned the group is weary of what they perceive as the government’s inaction. “We’ve kept our end of the bargain by ensuring peace, yet the government’s negligence casts doubts over its commitment to genuine reconciliation,” Adani declared, pointing out that ONLF’s Central Committee plans to convene later this month to rethink their strategy.
Tensions between ONLF and Addis Ababa have simmered over the past weeks, particularly after Ethiopian military bigwig General Berhanu Jula called ONLF an “enemy” supposedly aided by Egypt. ONLF decried the general’s statement as incendiary and harmful to the fragile truce, imploring the Ethiopian administration to either clarify or withdraw the remarks. “These allegations lack substance and are hazardous. Implying we’re in cahoots with other nations to destabilize Ethiopia is far-fetched and a serious provocation,” Adani retorted, hinting that ONLF might reconsider its allegiance to the peace pact if such posturing continues.
In boycotting the National Dialogue Conference, ONLF articulates broader discontent with Ethiopia’s stance on inclusivity. The faction contends that the ruling party in the Somali region orchestrated the conference lineup to exclude dissenting voices. Moreover, ONLF criticized the exclusion of delegates from pivotal areas like Amhara, Oromia, and Tigray, arguing this imbalance undermines the dialogue’s ambition to thoroughly tackle Ethiopia’s regional conflicts.
While ONLF steps back, they remain ready to return if the framework for dialogue is revamped to embrace all viewpoints. “For a real national dialogue, merely echoing what the ruling party thinks won’t cut it; it requires genuine representation and inclusivity,” ONLF stressed, expressing a willingness to engage, provided these criteria are met.
Adding to ONLF’s dissatisfaction, the group highlighted instances of cultural repression in the Somali region, accusing the government of pressuring Somali elders to renounce their heritage. There are also concerns that Ethiopia might alter the region’s official name and flag, which ONLF views as a threat to preserving Somali cultural identity within the country.
ONLF remains focused on achieving self-determination for the Somali region, a right safeguarded by Ethiopia’s constitution under Article 39, endorsing regional autonomy and potentially secession. Though their tactics have shifted from militancy to diplomacy, the leadership continues to advocate for the region’s independence. “Self-governance is vital. Failing to act jeopardizes everything we’ve fought for,” Adani stated recently, reaffirming the group’s unwavering vision for autonomy.
The Ethiopian Dialogue Commission’s plea for ONLF’s engagement highlights how crucial regional voices are in Ethiopia’s quest for stability. However, without engaging pivotal entities like ONLF, Ethiopia’s National Dialogue risks being an incomplete effort at reconciliation, leaving grievances unresolved and exacerbating existing divisions throughout the country.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
