Hunted by government drones, Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) commander Jaal Marroo denies his fighters target civilians. Yet, as a hidden humanitarian crisis deepens, international investigators accuse both sides of atrocities, leaving millions trapped in a deadly stalemate. While the government claims military gains and returns of displaced people, abductions and banditry plague the region, with civilians paying the highest price. The roots of grievanceThe conflict stems from deep-seated Oromo grievances of political and economic marginalization within Ethiopia’s ethnic federal system—a sentiment persisting despite Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed being Oromo himself. With the war hidden and a path to peace unclear, civilians remain caught in a devastating crossfire.

Source: Ethiopian News February 02, 2026 10:32 UTC