JIGJIGA, Ethiopia — HNH News | Seb 21፣ 2026|
The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) issued an official statement on Monday denying reports that the organization has joined a newly formed coalition aimed at overthrowing the federal government of Ethiopia through military force.
The clarification follows an announcement made yesterday in Mekelle, where seven opposition and armed groups declared the formation of the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival.
The coalition, which lists the ONLF among its participating entities alongside organizations such as the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), stated its objective to remove the ruling Prosperity Party led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and establish an inclusive transitional administration. The announcement was broadcast live on Tigrai TV by Zemene Kassie, chairman of the Amhara Fano National Movement.
In response, the official leadership of the ONLF based in Jigjiga categorically refuted any involvement in the alliance. Chairman Mr. Abdikarim Sheikh Muse stated that statements circulated on social media regarding the party’s participation do not reflect the official stance of the organization.
According to the leadership, a faction led by former ONLF Chairman Abdirahman Sheikh Mahdi unlawfully utilized the party’s name without legitimate authority or standing within the organization.
The ONLF reiterated its adherence to the peace agreement signed with the Ethiopian federal government in 2018 following the political transition under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The leadership emphasized that the front transitioned to a legally recognized political party to pursue its political goals through peaceful means and remains bound by that path.
Furthermore, the party expressed strong disapproval of former members aligning with groups involving the TPLF, pointing to the historical record of abuses and atrocities committed against the civilian population in the Somali Region under past TPLF rule.
The ONLF leadership noted that the Somali Region currently experiences stability, economic development, and political freedoms, concluding that there is no justification for initiating fresh conflict in the region.
The organization urged international bodies, diplomatic missions, and media outlets to verify statements regarding the party directly through its official governing structures.
