Seven Ethiopian opposition and armed groups have announced a new alliance aimed at removing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government.
The groups announced the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival on Sunday. The coalition brings together factions from several regions and ethnic communities across Ethiopia.
The alliance includes the Amhara Fano National Movement, Oromo Liberation Army, Tigray People’s Liberation Front, Ogaden National Liberation Front, Afar Revolutionary Democratic Unity Front, Benishangul Peoples’ Liberation Movement and Gumuz Peoples’ Democratic Movement.
The announcement brings together groups that have previously fought against one another.
Former Rivals Join Ethiopia Opposition Alliance
The new Ethiopia opposition alliance is particularly notable because the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, or TPLF, and Amhara Fano forces were previously on opposing sides during Ethiopia’s 2020–2022 Tigray war.
The conflict ended with the November 2022 peace agreement between the federal government and the TPLF.
However, tensions have increased again in northern Ethiopia. TPLF spokesman Michael Asgedom told The Associated Press that cooperation within the new alliance could involve both political and military activities.
He said joint military operations could become necessary to achieve the alliance’s stated goal of removing the government. Asgedom also said the 2022 peace agreement was no longer valid.
Opposition Groups Accuse Government of Worsening Crisis
Zemene Kassie, chairman of the Amhara Fano National Movement, announced the alliance on Tigray TV.
Kassie accused the federal government of contributing to insecurity, armed conflict, displacement, poverty and human rights abuses.
These accusations come as Ethiopia continues to face armed conflicts in several regions, including Amhara and Oromia.
The government has previously said its national dialogue efforts are intended to address the country’s political divisions and security challenges.
Tigray TV Faces Action From Media Regulator
The announcement also triggered a response from Ethiopia’s media regulator.
The Ethiopian Media Authority said Tigray TV was an illegal entity and accused it of promoting insurgency. The authority also prohibited Ethiopian media organizations from using the broadcaster as a source, according to Reuters.
The development adds another layer to the growing political tensions surrounding the new alliance.
Abiy’s Party Retained Power in June Election
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party retained power in Ethiopia’s June general election.
However, major opposition groups boycotted the election. The formation of the new Ethiopia opposition alliance now creates another challenge for the federal government.
It remains unclear how closely the seven groups will coordinate in practice. Reuters also reported that the factions have differences over territory and political issues, which could affect their ability to work together.
Ethiopia’s Tensions With Eritrea
The new alliance also comes amid worsening relations between Ethiopia and neighboring Eritrea.
Ethiopian forces and Eritrean troops fought alongside each other against TPLF forces during the Tigray war. However, relations between Addis Ababa and Asmara have deteriorated since then.
One major dispute involves Ethiopia’s desire for access to the Eritrean port of Assab.
Ethiopian officials have also accused Eritrea of supporting armed groups operating inside Ethiopia. Eritrea has repeatedly denied similar accusations, according to Reuters.
What Happens Next?
The formation of the Ethiopia opposition alliance comes at a sensitive time for the country.
The seven groups have declared a common objective, but their previous conflicts and geographic separation could make coordination difficult.
For now, it remains uncertain whether the alliance will operate primarily as a political coalition or develop broader military cooperation.
The development nevertheless adds another significant element to Ethiopia’s ongoing political and security tensions.
