The Oromo Liberation Army’s (OLA) proposal to establish a transitional government was the main point of contention in the week-long peace talks with the Ethiopian government held on the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar.
According to a BBC report citing two anonymous sources who participated in the talks, the Oromo Liberation Army proposed the formation of a joint transitional government that would include political parties in the Oromia region, such as the ruling Prosperity Party, the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC), and others.
The sources also added that federal government negotiators rejected the proposal to form a joint Transitional Government.
Despite the positive characterization of the talks by both sides, which concluded without a formal agreement, Oromia has witnessed military clashes between the OLA and the government forces in recent days.
The OLA accused the government of launching military offensives in Jaldu, West Shawa, and Adami Tulu, East Shawa zones of the Oromia regional state on Monday, May 8, adding “Both offensives were routed with over 75 regime fighters being neutralized.”
On the morning of May 8th, the Abiy regime launched offensives in Jaldu (West Shawa) and Adami Tulu (East Shawa). Both offensives were routed with over 75 regime fighters being neutralized.
(Pic: 4 regime fighters captured in Adami Tulu)#Oromia #Ethiopia pic.twitter.com/Bt2yvG0du8— Oromo Liberation Army OLF-OLA (@OLF_OLA) May 9, 2023
Speaking to local media on Tuesday, May 9, Hailu Adugna, Head of the Oromia Regional State Communication Office, said the peace talks in Tanzania were successful in establishing a good understanding between the parties, and affirmed the government’s dedication to consolidating this understanding for the sake of long-term peace.
He added the regional and federal governments are committed to resolving their differences with the OLA and to ensure that the next round of talks is productive.
The OLA has also expressed its determination to resolve the conflict.
The location and date of the next talks are currently unknown.