The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) is the principle force behind the violence. Whole districts in western Oromia are being purged of Amhara people in a brutal campaign which, some fear, could trigger a civil war between the two largest ethnic groups. The OLA constitutes the armed wing of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF). In July 2022 an elected member of the Ethiopian parliament, Hangaasa Ahmed, accused the (Oromo) regional administration of coordinating attacks in Wollega, where many of the killings have taken place. In the long term, constitutional reform is required, ethnic federalism jettisoned, all regional militia disarmed, and a national debate around democratic participation and regional governance initiated.

Source: Ethiopian News January 22, 2023 18:55 UTC