Abdirahman Sheikh Mohamed Mahdi, chairman of the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), has signaled a potential return to arms in Ethiopia’s Somali region. In a recent interview with BBC Somali, Mahdi, also known as “Maaday,” expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Ethiopian government’s adherence to the 2018 ceasefire agreement, hinting at a resurgence of hostilities.
The 2018 ceasefire, celebrated as a historic pact, was meant to conclude decades of strife by granting the Somali region greater autonomy and control over local resources while ensuring human rights protections. However, Maaday contends that the promises made have been blatantly disregarded. “The agreements? Dead,” he stated emphatically, suggesting that the ONLF is contemplating a range of responses, including war, protests, or further negotiations.
When probed about the practicality of rearming, Maaday confidently remarked, “Every Somali is a soldier by nature,” implying a rapid mobilization could occur if the Ethiopian government forces their hand. This bold statement underscores the readiness of the Somali people to defend their rights, reflecting a deep-seated resilience and warrior spirit among the community.
Maaday also accused the Ethiopian government of undermining the ONLF by supporting a rival faction within the Somali region, alleging that this group convened under the auspices of the regional government in Jigjiga. He labeled these actions as deliberate attempts by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration to fragment the ONLF and disrupt Somali unity. “They’re creating enemies to split us,” he charged, framing it as a strategy to dismantle the peace process.
In response, Mustafa Muxumed Omar “Cagjar,” President of the Somali Region, dismissed the ONLF’s accusations as inflammatory and unproductive. Cagjar emphasized the progress made in the region, countering claims of ongoing oppression and insisting that the splinter faction of the ONLF is now a legitimate political party. “Whining about division is just bad politics,” Cagjar retorted, advocating for a more discerning and united regional populace.
This brewing conflict in Ethiopia adds to the already volatile atmosphere in the Horn of Africa, with potential repercussions that could destabilize the broader region. The Somali region’s strategic significance, coupled with its tumultuous history of conflict, makes this a critical situation that could have far-reaching impacts. As tensions mount, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that can avert further bloodshed and instead foster lasting peace and development.
