Soohoyde

Jigjiga – The President of the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia, Mustafe Muhummed Omar, received senior leaders from the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) at the regional presidential palace in Jigjiga. The delegation was led by prominent ONLF figure, Cabdirahman Sheikh Muse (commonly known as Qalbi Dhagax).

The meeting took place during a courtesy visit by ONLF officials on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. Although no official details were released regarding the substance of the discussion, the President’s office stated that the visit was mainly an exchange of Eid greetings and goodwill.

This encounter comes at a time of heightened political tensions between ONLF and the federal government of Ethiopia. In a recent press statement, ONLF accused the federal authorities of failing to uphold the peace agreement signed six years ago, which had marked an official end to a long-standing conflict in the Somali region.

The ONLF chairman further alleged that the Ethiopian government had violated all previously agreed terms and declared that the group would no longer engage in any form of dialogue with federal authorities.

However, the Somali Regional State government dismissed ONLF’s accusations, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining peace and continuing development efforts in collaboration with the federal government.

Political analysts have taken note of this evolving dynamic, suggesting that the relationship between ONLF and Ethiopia may be entering a new and uncertain phase.