Seven Ethiopian opposition and armed groups have formally announced the formation of a new coalition, the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Coalition for Survival. The alliance aims to remove the Prosperity Party-led government and establish an inclusive transitional administration.
The announcement was made on Sunday, 20 September, during a live broadcast on Tigrai TV by Zemene Kassie, chairman of the Amhara Fano National Movement. The coalition includes the Amhara Fano National Movement, the Oromo Liberation Army, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, the Ogaden National Liberation Front, the Afar National Unity Revolutionary Front, the Benishangul Peoples’ Liberation Movement, and the Gumuz Peoples’ Democratic Movement.
In a joint statement, the coalition accused the current government of presiding over widespread insecurity, armed conflict, displacement, and the erosion of human rights. The group characterized the administration as a dictatorial regime and stated that its primary mission is to eliminate the current system to ensure the survival of the nation.
The coalition outlined plans for a transitional period intended to end armed conflicts and address national security and economic crises. The group also proposed a constitutional dialogue to resolve major national questions through public participation. Additionally, the alliance pledged to improve Ethiopia’s relations with neighboring countries and restore its international standing.
The formation of the coalition follows months of reported coordination among various opposition forces. While the groups have aligned on the objective of removing the current government, the Oromo Liberation Army noted on 17 September that the alliance represents a procedural consensus rather than a total agreement on all substantive political questions.
The coalition has invited other political and civic organizations to join its efforts and has appealed to members of the Ethiopian armed forces and government leadership to abandon the current administration. The alliance also requested support from the international community for its stated goals of justice and democracy.
Article source: allafrica.com | Image credit: allafrica.com