ADDIS ABABA - A rebel group in Ethiopia’s central Oromia region is placing restrictions on the movement of people and commercial activities following a surge in violent crime.
The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), which is fighting federal troops and has been designated as a terrorist organization by the Ethiopian government, stated that the restrictions will take effect on Jan. 28 for an indefinite period. Unrest across the restive region in recent weeks has included a spate of hijackings and killings.
“All the roads in Oromia leading to Addis Ababa to be closed”, the directive read, including the closure of hospitals, public schools and the transportation of food to the capital as a means to disrupt delivery of emergency assistance to the hungry and vulnerable civilians.
The move will halt the delivery of humanitarian assistance to a region staring at a possible famine and an ongoing exodus of international investors. The fighting comes as the conflict in northern Amhara continues, displacing thousands and upending a region once considered to be the nation’s breadbasket.
The Ethiopian government and the OLA, who have been locked in a conflict since 2018, met in Tanzania twice last year for talks but the peace efforts stalled.
The rebel group has previously demanded control over regional security while remaining armed, which the federal government has rejected. The OLA also wants the government to address longstanding Oromo grievances and demands for self-determination.
