Ethiopia’s Three Major Opposition Parties condemn Proposal for “Oromia Transitional Government”

Borkena

Toronto – Ethnic Oromo nationalist parties’ apparent move to exploit the ongoing crisis in Ethiopia to push for the formation of an Oromia state has triggered reactions from major political parties, as expected.

Three prominent political parties – the All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP), Enat Party (EP), and Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP) – released a joint statement this week condemning the initiative.

The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) have proposed establishing a “transitional government in the Oromia region.” The opposition parties argue that this move, coming at a time when collaborative efforts are needed to rescue Ethiopia from its crisis, is akin to “pouring gas on a fire.”

The OLF and OFC reportedly held a four-day meeting in late February 2025 at the Elilly Hotel in Addis Ababa, a move allegedly initiated clandestinely by the ruling Prosperity Party. The meeting aimed to work toward peace and stability in the Oromia region but included controversial territorial claims.

The Oromo nationalist parties demanded the inclusion of Addis Ababa, Metekel, Wollo, Dire Dawa, Moyale, and Harar into the Oromia region, in a way that sounds like they are conditions for peace. They also agreed to incorporate the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), an armed group currently fighting against the federal government in Oromia and linked to extensive kidnappings and killings , into the region’s security forces to “defend Oromia” and maintain order.

The three opposition parties criticized the OLF and OFC’s actions, stating that their approach would further complicate the country’s situation rather than ensuring peace. “Unless peace prevails in all regions, no one can be free separately,” they emphasized. They described the Oromo parties’ actions as paradoxical, noting that while they call for peace, they are simultaneously fueling conflict with neighboring regions.

The AEUP, EP, and EPRP condemned the OLF and OFC’s move as “immoral, unjust, and unconstitutional,” accusing them of attempting to build their own “hamlet from the rubble of the nation’s collapse.” They warned that such measures could set the country back by decades.

Additionally, the opposition parties criticized the OLF and OFC for presuming to represent the entire Oromia region exclusively, disregarding the diversity of voices within the region.

The three parties called on all Ethiopians to unite in the struggle to ensure peace and the rule of law across the country.

The federal government, currently engaged in a large-scale war in the Amhara region against Fano forces, has remained silent on the Oromo nationalist parties’ transitional government proposal.

This development comes in the wake of the federal government’s 2024 arrest of opposition figures for attempting to organize a peaceful anti-war rally in Addis Ababa, further highlighting the tense political climate in Ethiopia.

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