Overview
- The latest round of peace talks between Ethiopia's government and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) ended without an agreement, marking the third time negotiations have failed.
- The OLA, an outlawed splinter group of a formerly banned opposition party, has grievances rooted in the alleged marginalisation and neglect of people in Oromiya, Ethiopia's largest region.
- The violence in Oromiya has been one of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's main security challenges, killing hundreds of people in recent years.
- Redwan Hussien, Abiy's national security adviser, attributed the failure of the talks to the 'intransigence' of the OLA and their 'obstructive approach and unrealistic demands'.
- The East African trade bloc IGAD expressed optimism about further talks, pledging to provide unwavering support to both sides in their pursuit of a peaceful resolution.