Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — June 7, 2026 | Horn News Hub
The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has issued a strong statement rejecting claims that it is affiliated with armed groups fighting the Ethiopian government and reaffirming its commitment to the 2018 peace agreement that ended decades of insurgency in Ethiopia’s Somali Region.
In a statement released on Saturday, ONLF Chairman Abdikarim Sheikh Muse said the organization remains fully committed to the peace accord signed with the Ethiopian government in Asmara on October 21, 2018, describing the agreement as the foundation of the relative peace and stability currently enjoyed in the Somali Region.
The statement comes amid reports and allegations circulating in political and social media circles linking the ONLF to groups opposed to the federal government. The organization categorically denied any involvement in alliances aimed at overthrowing the government or participating in armed campaigns against state authorities.
According to the ONLF, its political mission has historically focused on advancing the rights and interests of the Somali Region and its people rather than seeking national political power through armed struggle. The group said it remains committed to pursuing its objectives through peaceful and democratic means.
The ONLF also warned against what it described as attempts by a small number of individuals to use the organization’s name to promote agendas that could destabilize the region. It argued that such efforts threaten the peace achieved since the 2018 agreement and do not reflect the party’s official position.
A significant portion of the statement focused on internal leadership disputes. The party said former chairman Abdirahman Mahdi no longer represents the organization following decisions made during the ONLF Congress held in Jigjiga in June 2025. According to the party, Abdikarim Sheikh Muse was elected chairman at that congress, replacing Mahdi.
The ONLF further stated that any political activities, statements, or alliances announced by Mahdi after his removal should be regarded as personal actions rather than official party positions. It also claimed that the social media account @ONLFofficial on X is operated by Mahdi and should not be considered an official communication channel of the organization.
Political Significance
The statement reflects the ONLF leadership’s effort to clearly distance itself from armed opposition movements at a time when Ethiopia continues to face security challenges in several regions, including Amhara and Oromia.
The clarification may also be viewed as an attempt to reassure both federal authorities and regional stakeholders that the ONLF remains committed to the post conflict political framework established under the 2018 peace agreement.
Since laying down arms and returning to legal politics, the ONLF has transformed from an insurgent movement into a registered political actor operating within Ethiopia’s constitutional system. The party argues that the peace agreement has delivered tangible benefits for the Somali Region, including improved stability and greater political participation.
However, the statement also highlights continuing divisions within the organization’s former leadership. Disputes over representation and legitimacy have periodically surfaced since the ONLF entered formal politics, reflecting broader challenges faced by former armed movements transitioning into political parties.
For now, the ONLF leadership appears determined to emphasize its commitment to peaceful engagement while distancing the organization from any actors advocating a return to armed confrontation.
The statement concludes by urging supporters, media organizations, and the public to rely only on officially authorized party channels when seeking information about the ONLF’s policies and activities.
