Ethiopia Rebels Surrender

By Jennifer M. Haralambides
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – After decades of guerrilla war, a rebel group in Ethiopia’s Somali region has agreed to lay down arms, according to the Ethiopian government.  This is to be accompanied by the rebel group’s participation in the Ethiopian political process, and is quite timely, given that nationwide elections are to take place in a few weeks.

After talks with the local government, leaders of the United Western Somali Libertarian Front (UWSLF) agreed to abide by the constitution of Ethiopia and operate legally and abandon the “armed struggle.”

In a press conference, Communications Minister Bereket Simon announced Friday that, “[w]e expect these leaders to appear here soon to explain how they will operate in the Ethiopian legal atmosphere . . . that will help the stability and peace.”

The “government has decided to respect their right to operate in the Ethiopian legal system, to enter into more civilized and pacific politic,” said Minister Simon after being questioned by AFP.   He went on to add that the UWSLF “”[t]hey had pursued a mistaken past, and now they’re desisting from it, so we will respect their right to engage in civilized politics.”

The UWSLF, created in the 1970’s, was active during the war for control of the Ogaden, where Ethiopia defeated Somalia.  It, along with other rebel groups has been fighting over Ogaden, a predominantly Somali-speaking region,  due to the regions vast natural resources.

UWSLF activities recently include a 2006 kidnapping of Red Cross workers, which the UWSLF apologized for, citing a miscommunication and case of mistaken identity as the reasons for the kidnapping.

For more information, please see:

AFP – Ethiopian Rebel Group “Agrees to Lay Down Arms” – 9 April 2010

Reuters – Ethiopia Says Rebels Threatening Oil Firms Surrender – 9 April 2010

VOA – Ethiopia Hails Little-Known Rebel Group’s Demise – 9 April 2010

Author: Impunity Watch Archive