The Oromia regional government has announced the signing of a peace deal with a splinter group of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), led by former central zone commander Sagni Nagasa.
The agreement, signed by Oromia region president Shimelis Abdissa and Sagni Nagasa, marks a significant development in efforts to address the ongoing conflict in the region. However, details of the peace deal have not been disclosed to the public.
Sagni Nagasa, who broke away from the OLA in September, accused its leader, Kumsa Diriba (also known as Jaal Marroo), of authoritarianism. He declared that his faction no longer operated under the OLA and expressed readiness to engage in dialogue with the government.
Following his split, the OLA’s Public Relations Office dismissed Sagni Nagasa from the organization, accusing him of “treasonous sabotage” and labeling him “a disgruntled former member.”
The OLA has not yet commented on the peace agreement, which local media describe as a deal between the regional government and the splinter faction of the OLA.
The conflict between the OLA and government forces has devastated Oromia, Ethiopia’s largest region, resulting in significant casualties, alleged human rights abuses, and widespread suffering for civilian populations.
This peace deal is seen by some as a potential step toward reducing violence in Oromia, although the OLA’s stance and broader implications of the agreement remain uncertain.
