Govt: Peace Talks with OLA Ends without Deal

ADDIS ABABA – Government says its negotiations with the rebel group Oromo Liberation Army or Ola-Shene to end the hostilities in the Oromia region were constructive despite ending without an agreement.

The two sides concluded the first round of talks that have been taking place in Tanzania for a week on Wednesday.

“While the talks have been largely constructive, unfortunately, it was not possible to reach an agreement on some issues during this round of the talks,” Redwan Hussein, a national security advisor to PM Abiy Ahmed, said.

The security advisor did not delve into details on matters discussed including the issues the two sides could not agree on.

“Both parties, however, have acknowledged the need to continue these talks with a view to resolving the conflict permanently and peacefully,” Redwan said.

The rebel group has been fighting the government since it broke away from the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) when the front renounced armed struggle in 2018.

The talks in Zanzibar were the first time the government held a formal negotiation with the group.

No timetable has been given as to when the next round of negotiations will be held. But the government says it is committed “to the peaceful resolution of the conflict in accordance with the Constitution and within the framework of fundamental principles that have guided such efforts until now.”