08/06/2026
ONLF rejects claims of affiliation with armed groups
+++++++++++++++++
: The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) categorically rejects claims of affiliation with armed groups and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the peace agreement with the Ethiopian government confirming its readiness to fully respect and implement all provisions of the agreement.
On its recent press release, the ONLF similarly expects the Ethiopian government to uphold its commitments and ensure the full implementation of the agreement in good faith.
The peace agreement signed in Asmara on 21 October 2018 has served as the foundation for the peace and stability enjoyed in the Somali Region today. Since its ex*****on, the region has transformed into one of the most peaceful and stable regions in Ethiopia, underscoring the importance of the agreement and the commitment of all parties to maintaining lasting peace.
The ONLF believes that the Asmara peace agreement has brought significant benefits for the Somali Region and the wider Horn of Africa. Furthermore, it has contributed positively to the realization of many of the objectives that the ONLF has historically pursued.
Accordingly, the ONLF strongly opposes any action or behavior that could undermine the peace, stability and development achieved in the Somali Region. It also firmly rejects the unauthorized use of its name by a handful of individuals who, having failed to realize their personal ambitions through the peace agreement, are attempting to incite a new conflict.
The ONLF believes that such efforts neither reflect its principles nor serve the interests of the Somali Region and its people. Instead, they undoubtedly undermine the hard-won peace and stability in the region while advancing agendas that are external to the region and contrary to the legitimate aspirations of the people in the Somali Region.
In addition, the ONLF wishes to clarify to all interested parties that it has not entered into any alliance with other organizations for the purpose of overthrowing the current Ethiopian government. Nor has it never been the objective of the ONLF to fight for the removal of the ruling government or to engage with organizations whose sole aim is to seize state power through armed means.
The ONLF’s mission has always been concentrated on advancing the rights, interests, and aspirations of the people of the Somali Region. It remains committed to pursuing these objectives through peaceful and democratic means, based on dialogue and mutually agreed principles.
Therefore, the ONLF once again reiterates that it has no affiliation, cooperation, or involvement with armed groups that are engaged in conflict against the Ethiopian government. The ONLF remains fully committed to the peaceful engagements and rejects any actions that threaten peace, stability, and the interests of the people of the Somali Region.
The ONLF further clarifies that its name has been misused by Mr. Abdirahman Mahdi, the former chairman of the party, who has acted independently and without authorization from the ONLF party. Mr. Abdirahman Mahdi no longer holds any leadership position within the ONLF party and does not represent the party, its policies, or its objectives.
At the ONLF Congress held in Jigjiga in June 2025, Mr. Abdirahman Mahdi was formally relieved from the chairmanship, and Mr. Abdikarim Sheikh Muse was duly elected as the new chairman of the ONLF party. Consequently, any actions undertaken, decisions made, or statements issued by Mr. Abdirahman Mahdi after that date do not reflect the official position of the ONLF party and should be regarded as his personal views and activities.
The ONLF party also wishes to clarify that the X (formally Twitter) account know as is not an official account of the party. It is a personal account operated by Mr. Abdirahman Mahdi, and the content published through that account does not represent the official policies, positions, or communications of the ONLF party.
The ONLF urges all interested parties, supporters, media organizations, and members of the public to exercise caution and to rely only on officially authorized channels for information regarding the party’s positions and activities.
Abdikarim Sheikh Muse, ONLF Chairman
