Jigjiga, Ethiopia – Members who identify as the Central Council of the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) have elected Abdikariin Sh. Muuse (Qalbi Dhagax) as the interim chairperson of the organization. This decision comes after the removal of the previous leader, Abdiraxmaan Sh. Mahdi (Maadey).

The election took place during the second day of the meeting held by those who claim to represent the Central Council of ONLF in Jigjiga, the capital of Ethiopia’s Somali region. According to an official statement released after the meeting, Abdikariin Sh. Muuse, who had been serving as the deputy chairperson, will temporarily assume the role of chairperson until the organization holds its general congress.

The statement further revealed that C/raxmaan Sh. Mahdi Maadey was removed from his position due to accusations of “failure to fulfill his duties,” “violating the organization’s decisions,” and “threatening the peace and safety of the organization’s members.” The statement also highlighted that Maadey was accused of declaring war unilaterally.

The Central Council members also made it clear that the organization’s stance on the 2018 peace agreement between ONLF and the Ethiopian government remains unchanged. The agreement, they argued, has led to significant peace and stability in the Somali region of Ethiopia.

“The council confirms that the organization will continue to implement the 2018 agreement, while safeguarding the interests of the region’s people and the stability achieved in the area,” the statement affirmed.

The former chairperson, C/raxmaan Sh. Mahdi, had previously issued a letter on March 30 accusing the Ethiopian government of breaching all the terms of the peace agreement. In his letter, Maadey declared that the organization was no longer willing to engage in new negotiations and urged the people to rise up against the Ethiopian government.

However, this move signals an internal divide within the leadership of ONLF. The Executive Committee members have firmly rejected calls for rebellion and reaffirmed their commitment to peace and dialogue, stressing that ONLF will continue to pursue peaceful solutions through dialogue with the Ethiopian government.