AMN PLUS June 8,2026
The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has strongly rejected allegations that it has links with armed groups and reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the peace agreement signed with the Ethiopian government.
In a statement issued on the matter, the ONLF explained that it does not cooperate with any armed forces and elaborated on recent leadership changes within the organization, emphasizing the importance of relying solely on its officially authorized channels of communication.
The ONLF reaffirmed its commitment to the peace agreement signed with the Ethiopian government and expressed its readiness to respect and fully implement all provisions of the accord.
At the same time, the ONLF stated that it expects the Ethiopian government to honor its commitments and ensure the full implementation of the agreement in good faith.
According to the statement, the peace agreement signed in Asmara on October 21, 2018, has served as the foundation for the peace and stability currently witnessed in the Somali Region. Since its implementation, the region has become one of the most peaceful and stable areas in Ethiopia, demonstrating both the significance of the agreement and the commitment of all parties to achieving sustainable peace.
The ONLF stated that the Asmara Peace Agreement has brought substantial benefits to the Somali Region and the wider Horn of Africa. It added that the agreement has also contributed positively to the realization of several objectives for which the ONLF had historically struggled.
Consequently, the ONLF said it firmly opposes any action or conduct that could undermine the peace, stability, and development achieved in the Somali Region. It also strongly condemned the unauthorized use of the organization’s name by a small number of individuals who, after failing to advance their personal interests through the peace process, are now attempting to incite renewed conflict.
The ONLF stated that such actions neither reflect the principles of the organization nor serve the interests of the Somali Region and its people.
Rather, it said, these efforts threaten the hard-won peace and stability achieved in the region and promote agendas originating outside the region that conflict with the legitimate aspirations of its people.
Furthermore, the ONLF made clear that it has not entered into any alliance with organizations whose objective is to overthrow the current government of Ethiopia.
The statement emphasized that seeking to remove the government by force, or cooperating with organizations whose sole purpose is to seize power through armed struggle, has never been an objective of the ONLF.
The organization said its mission has always focused on safeguarding the rights, interests, and aspirations of the people of the Somali Region.
The ONLF reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing these objectives through peaceful and democratic means, based on the principles of dialogue and mutual understanding.
Accordingly, the organization reiterated that it has no relationship, cooperation, or involvement with armed groups engaged in conflict against the Ethiopian government.
The ONLF further stressed that it remains fully committed to peaceful engagement and rejects any actions that threaten the peace, stability, and public interest of the Somali Region.
The statement also addressed the organization’s leadership, explaining that its former chairman, Abdirahman Mahdi, used the ONLF’s name without authorization and acted independently, without any mandate from the organization.
According to the ONLF, Abdirahman Mahdi currently holds no leadership position within the organization and does not represent the Front, its policies, or its objectives.
The ONLF noted that, during the party’s conference held in Jijiga in June 2025, Abdirahman Mahdi was officially removed from his position as chairman, and Abdikarim Sheik Muse was formally elected as the new chairman of the ONLF. Therefore, the organization stated that any actions taken, decisions made, or statements issued by Abdirahman Mahdi after that date do not represent the official position of the ONLF and should be regarded solely as his personal views and actions.
The ONLF also clarified that the X (formerly Twitter) account known as @ONLFofficial is not an official account of the organization.
According to the statement, the account is a personal account administered by Abdirahman Mahdi, and any content published through it does not reflect the official policies, positions, or statements of the ONLF.
Finally, the ONLF urged all concerned parties, supporters, media organizations, and members of the public to exercise caution and rely exclusively on officially authorized channels for information regarding the party’s positions, activities, and official communications.
By Leta Teresa
