The Oromo Liberation Army (OLF), an opposition group, has voiced deep concerns over the escalating tension between Ethiopia and Somalia, triggered by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ethiopian government and Somaliland.
The OLF has released a statement from its Foreign Relations Office, urging all parties to exercise restraint and respect the safety of refugees and civilian citizens on both sides during this volatile period. The party emphasized the enduring impact of past conflicts on Oromo refugees and civilians, and called for the protection of Ethiopian nationals, particularly those from the Oromo ethnic group, residing in Somalia.
Amid mounting social media calls and agitation for the expulsion of Ethiopian citizens, particularly the Oromo, from Somalia, the OLF highlighted the peaceful coexistence and engagement in various activities, such as trade, farming, grazing, and worship, between Ethiopian refugees and the host communities in Somalia. The party emphasized that the refugees have no hostile intentions and called for their safety during this politically charged time.
The OLF appealed to the international community and neighboring countries to intervene preventatively, cautioning against the potential for significant regional upheaval as a consequence of the looming conflict.
The MoU between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which grants Ethiopia access to the sea in exchange for international recognition of Somaliland, has sparked outrage in Somalia. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia signed a law on 06 January 2024 to nullify the deal, affirming Somalia’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty. Ethiopia defended the agreement, asserting its conformity with laws and international norms, and citing precedents of economic partnerships pursued by other countries in the region.
