More than 200 armed fighters have surrendered to Ethiopian government forces in Western Oromia, signalling a notable shift in the region’s protracted conflict. The Ethiopian army said the fighters had operated in East Wollega Zone and laid down their weapons after negotiations with local officials.
Military officials described the surrender as the result of sustained security operations paired with dialogue aimed at easing long-standing tensions. Western Oromia has endured years of violence between government forces and the Oromo Liberation Army, a group that emerged after a 2018 peace deal.
The OLA says its rebellion stems from political marginalisation and economic neglect of the Oromo people, Ethiopia’s largest ethnic community. Despite periodic announcements of defections or surrenders, armed clashes and insecurity have persisted across parts of the region.
Observers note that assessing the scale and impact of such developments remains difficult due to access limits and communication blackouts. The Oromo Liberation Army did not immediately comment on the army’s announcement.