The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) has confirmed that peace talks with the Ethiopian government will begin this week in Tanzania.
Earlier today, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, had announced that his government will begin formal negotiations with OLA in Tanzania on April 25, 2023.
Following this, the OLA issued a statement verifying the Prime Minister’s words and said the Ethiopian government has accepted its terms for peace negotiations.
“the Ethiopian regime has accepted our terms for peace negotiations, which include the involvement of an independent third-party mediator and a commitment to maintain transparency throughout the process.”
“This is a crucial and positive step towards establishing a lasting peace in the region,” OLA said in its statement.
The Abiy Ahmed-led Ethiopian government and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) have been engaged in armed conflict for the last four years, resulting from disagreements over the demands and rights of the Oromo people in Oromia, Ethiopia’s largest and most populous region.
This marks the first time when both parties pledge and take steps to resolve their differences through dialogue.