Multiple rebel organizations operating across Ethiopia announced the formation of a unified coalition titled Alliance for Survival, combining forces to challenge Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration. The alliance encompasses the Fano militia based in Amhara, the Oromo Liberation Army, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, and four additional armed groups representing various regions throughout the country.
The coalition’s statement leveled accusations against the federal government, contending that current leadership has overseen prolonged conflict, mass casualties, widespread destruction, and economic hardship. Alliance members asserted that Ethiopia faces potential state fragmentation under existing governance. The federal government had not yet issued an official response to the alliance announcement at the time of reporting.
The country has experienced sustained armed conflict across multiple regions. Oromia and Amhara, the nation’s most densely populated states, have been sites of ongoing violence. The northern Tigray region previously endured a major civil conflict that concluded in 2022 following African Union mediation, though both government forces and regional groups have since accused one another of breaching that peace agreement, with concerns about potential renewal of large-scale fighting.
The new coalition draws membership from half of Ethiopia’s 12 regional states, with representation from Oromia, Amhara, Tigray, Ogaden, Afar, and Benishangul-Gumuz. Notably, Amhara’s Fano militia previously fought alongside federal forces during the Tigray conflict before initiating armed resistance against the government following refusal to comply with disarmament orders. The government has maintained an active conflict with the Oromo Liberation Army since 2018.
In July, Abiy expressed confidence in Ethiopia’s capacity to defend itself amid these security challenges, emphasizing national sovereignty. The country conducted a general election in June, in which Abiy’s Prosperity Party secured a dominant parliamentary position, though the electoral process occurred amid ongoing conflict and with minimal opposition participation. The Tigray region was entirely excluded from voting.
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