Peace talks between the government of Ethiopia and the rebel Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in semi-autonomous province of Tanzania ended without a deal, an Ethiopian official has disclosed.
“While the talks have been largely constructive, unfortunately, it was not possible to reach an agreement on some issues during this round of the talks,” Redwan Hussein, a national security advisor to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, said on Wednesday in a briefing.
The security advisor did not deliver details on matters discussed including the issues the two sides could not agree on.
“Both parties, however, have acknowledged the need to continue these talks with a view to resolving the conflict permanently and peacefully,” Redwan said.
The rebel group has been fighting the government since it broke away from the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) when the front renounced armed struggle in 2018.
The peace-talk in Zanzibar was the first time the government held a formal negotiation with the group.
No timetable has been given as to when the next round of negotiations will be held. But the government says it is committed “to the peaceful resolution of the conflict in accordance with the Constitution and within the framework of fundamental principles that have guided such efforts until now.”
MG/abj/APA