But according to Jaal Marroo, the leader of the Oromo Liberation Army, historic injustices against the Oromo people persist in modern-day Ethiopia. Speaking to The Associated Press in a rare interview from his remote forest outpost in southern Ethiopia, Marroo said his goal is to establish a democratic political order. Ethiopian rebel leader rejects accusations of targeting civilians in rare interview from hideoutOromia is Ethiopia’s country’s biggest state, with 35% of the population and the Federal Republic’s capital, Addis Ababa. Speaking to The Associated Press in a rare interview from his remote forest outpost in southern Ethiopia, Marroo said his goal is to establish a democratic political order. Meanwhile, the people of Oromia state continue to suffer because of the conflict.

Source: Ethiopian News February 02, 2026 08:10 UTC