Seven Ethiopian Opposition Groups Form Anti-Government Alliance
A new coalition of seven opposition factions has been announced, explicitly aiming to remove Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed from power.
Key points
- Seven opposition groups formed the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival to challenge Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
- The TPLF stated that joint military operations may be necessary and declared the 2022 peace accord no longer valid.
- The Ethiopian Media Authority condemned the announcement, labeling the broadcasting channel used as an illegal entity.
Seven political and military opposition factions in Ethiopia have announced the creation of a unified alliance with the explicit goal of removing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed from power. According to a declaration issued on Sunday, the coalition has adopted the name Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival.
The grouping brings together disparate armed and political movements that have previously operated independently. The formation of this bloc represents a significant shift in the country’s internal political landscape, consolidating groups that have faced federal authorities in various regions.
Composition of the New Coalition
The alliance includes the Amhara Fano National Movement, the Oromo Liberation Army, and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. Other members cited in the announcement are the Ogaden National Liberation Front, the Afar Revolutionary Democratic Unity Front, the Benishangul Peoples’ Liberation Movement, and the Gumuz Peoples’ Democratic Movement.
Zemene Kassie, the chairman of the Amhara Fano National Movement, appeared on Tigray TV to formally present the coalition. He accused the federal government of presiding over widespread insecurity, displacement, and human rights abuses, framing the alliance as a necessary response to these conditions.
Military Implications of the Accord
Michael Asgedom, a spokesman for the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, stated that the cooperation with other factions is both political and military. He told The Associated Press that joint military operations may become necessary to achieve the objective of removing what he described as a dictatorial regime.
Asgedom also addressed the status of the peace accord signed in November 2022, which ended the conflict in northern Ethiopia. When asked if the TPLF’s participation in this new alliance violated that agreement, he declared that the accord is no longer valid.
Government Response and Regional Context
The Ethiopian Media Authority responded on Monday by labeling Tigray TV an illegal entity. According to the authority, the channel is accused of promoting insurgency against the state, highlighting the ongoing tension between federal regulators and opposition-aligned media outlets.
This development occurs against a backdrop of continued political fragmentation. Abiy’s Prosperity Party retained power in June's general election, a vote that was boycotted by major opposition groups. According to reporting by abcnews.com, it remains unclear how closely the seven groups will coordinate their efforts moving forward.
