By Addis GetachewADDIS ABABA, EthiopiaAn Ethiopian government coalition partner and a sometimes violent group seeking self-determination made peace on Thursday, ending months of confrontations in the country’s largest and most populous region. In Ambo, Oromia regional state, 125 kilometers west of the capital Addis Ababa, the Oromia regional state government under the Oromo Democratic Party (one of four parties in the ruling coalition) and the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) signed what has been called a “reconciliation pact,” according to the state Ethiopian News Agency (ENA). The signing was witnessed by senior leaders of Oromia, Oromo traditional leaders, elders, scholars, youths, and political party representatives. Milkesa Mideksa, representing Oromia regional state and Dawud Ibsa, the OLF chair, on the occasion pledged to avoid bloodshed and move forward, leaving the past behind. The OLF’s return was made possible by the reforms launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who introduced a raft of drastic reforms after coming to power in April 2017.

Source: Ethiopian News January 24, 2019 14:03 UTC