Ethiopia’s government has signed an agreement to end hostilities with
the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), which it had previously declared a terrorist movement, state television reported on Tuesday.
The agreement appeared to be another step in a drive by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to reform institutions, open parts of the state-controlled economy and improve security and diplomatic relations.
The federal government delegation comprised Foreign Affairs chief Workneh Gebeyehu and president of Oromia region Lemma Megerssa.
The delegation arrived in Asmara on Monday and met with Eritrean president Isaias Afwerki.
The delegation met with OLF leader Dawud Ibsa who had been operating in neighbouring Eritrea.
The Asmara meeting according to Eritrean Information Minister agreed to an immediate cessation of hostilities.
The terms of the agreement according to the Eritrean Minister are termination of hostilities,
that OLF will conduct its political activities in Ethiopia through peaceful means and to establish a Joint Committee to implement the agreement.
The OLF till now was one of the foreign-based armed opposition groups that had not accepted an overture by Prime Minister Ahmed to return to pursue peaceful struggle in the country.
The Front has for years been fighting for self-determination of the Oromo region – Oromos, PM Ahmed ethnic group, are the majority ethnic group in the East African country.
Wide and ceaseless anti-government protests in the country was largely championed by the Oromos.
At a point the protests were tagged as ‘Oromo protests.’ Political watchers admit it was crucial to political reforms that have since changed the country’s democratic field.
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