Seven Ethiopian rebel groups form new alliance

The alliance accuses the government of presiding over "war, genocide, mass destruction, and utter poverty," and claims Ethiopia is at risk of disintegration. The groups are based in six of Ethiopia's 12 regional states, including Oromia, Amhara, Tigray, Ogaden, Afar, and Benishangul-Gumuz.

The Fano group in Amhara, which initially fought alongside federal forces in the Tigray war, turned against the government less than a year after that conflict ended, refusing to disarm. The government has been fighting the OLA since 2018.

This announcement comes amid renewed tensions in the northern Tigray region, where a two-year civil war concluded in 2022 with an African Union peace deal. However, fears of a return to full-scale conflict persist, with both sides alleging violations of the agreement.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has previously expressed confidence in Ethiopia's "defensive capabilities," stating that "Even if others were added, we do not have an iota of fear regarding Ethiopia's sovereignty." His Prosperity Party retained an overwhelming parliamentary majority in a June general election, though the poll was marred by conflict, accusations of repression, and low opposition participation. The Fano and OLA rebel groups rejected the election results, and the Tigray region was excluded from the vote.