Fighters of the rebel group OLA (Photo Social Media)Addis Abeba – Preparations are underway in Zanzibar, Tanzania to kickstart negotiations between the Ethiopian government and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) which is aimed at peacefully resolving the five years war ongoing in Ethiopia’s Oromia region. Nuur Mohamud Sheekh, the spokesperson for the Executive Secretary of IGAD, told Addis Standard that “preparations for the talks are underway,” describing the process as “Ethiopian-led-Ethiopian-owned”. Both the government of Ethiopia and the OLA did not disclose details as of yet on neither the negotiators nor the resumption of talks. Over the past few months, both the federal government and the OLA have been signaling efforts in resolving the war through peace talks. The PM was referring to the call made by the Oromia regional state president Shimelis Abdissa while addressing the 6th regular meeting of Caffee Oromia, the regional council, on 17 February.

Source: Ethiopian News April 25, 2023 15:03 UTC