OLF calls for united stand against cross-border incursions and lasting peaceful solution to Ethiopia’s conflicts

(February 17, 2026, FINFINNE) — The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF/ABO) has issued a stark warning about the escalating security situation in Ethiopia and the severe danger posed to Oromia by ongoing conflicts. In a statement released on February 17, 2026, the organization characterized the recurring “cloud of war drifting across the country” as an increasingly grave threat to the Oromo people and their homeland.

“The security situation in our country has been concerning for decades,” the statement reads. “Oromia has for generations been transformed from a land where peace, stability, and promising development should prevail into a battlefield of war interests and political machinations”.

Decades of Unresolved Conflict

According to the ABO statement, the persistent cloud of war that continues to drift across the country has its roots in decades of unresolved political, military, economic, and social problems. The unceasing conflicts emanating from within the country have continued for generations and show no signs of abating.

Specifically, the organization points to conflicts over land grabbing and resource exploitation in Oromia, as well as territorial expansion by Abyssinian and colonial systems, as ongoing drivers of violence that have continued without interruption.

“The struggle of Oromo people and Oromia residents has been unceasing,” the statement notes. “Although the war devastating Oromia sometimes retreats, because the desire and ambition to plunder Oromia have not stopped, the dream of yesterday and today continues to attack Oromia, and efforts to forcefully seize it have not ceased”.

The Post-1991 Context

The statement particularly emphasizes the severe and heinous harm inflicted upon Oromo people and Oromia residents since the 1991 Charter period. The ABO describes being pushed out of the transitional government through tactical political maneuvering by forces competing for influence, leaving Oromia as a battlefield of looting and exploitation.

As a result, the organization asserts, Oromo people and Oromia residents have been impoverished while outsiders have prospered in their land. Oromia—blessed and fertile—has become a land where its own residents are impoverished while others thrive.

Escalating Violence in Recent Years

In the past eight years specifically, the ABO reports that in addition to the ongoing conflict throughout Oromia, armed incursions by irregular forces crossing Oromia’s borders have further disturbed the peace of Oromia residents.

“Oromia’s borders have been breached, many areas have been left without Oromia administration, land and property owners have been forcibly displaced from their lands, Oromo property has been forcibly looted, innocent people have lost their lives unnecessarily, and the peaceful existence of Oromia residents has been prevented”.

The statement details the multifaceted damage caused by cross-border armed incursions:

• Displacement of peaceful residents from their lands and properties
• Economic deterioration through looting and destruction
• Weakening of social trust and community cohesion
• Proliferation of divisive ideologies and deepening fragmentation
• Absence of effective governance and public administration
• Complete erosion of public trust in government

Call for Comprehensive Peaceful Solution

To mitigate the damage and losses caused by war, the OLF/ABO has consistently advocated for comprehensive peaceful solutions. The organization reiterates its call for:

• Genuine and inclusive political dialogue conducted by the government with all relevant parties
• Proper respect for democratic rights and human rights
• Resolution of regional boundaries through law, dialogue, and lasting agreement rather than force
• Public and international community participation in matters of national peace and security

“These are not merely desirable but essential,” the statement emphasizes.

Regional Context and Urgent Threat

The OLF warns that given the instability, conflicts, and humanitarian crises affecting the Horn of Africa region, combined with the dangers of ongoing war and absence of political solutions, Oromia risks continuing as a battlefield of war interests and political machinations.

“The Oromo people and Oromia residents must not accept this,” the organization declares. “To prevent the evil and heinous consequences of border violations into Oromia, standing united—beyond political and other differences—is the duty imposed by the future situation we face”.

A Call for Unity

The statement concludes with a powerful appeal for Oromo unity in defense of their homeland:

“Therefore, we urge that the Oromo people and Oromia residents, both within and outside, stand together to protect their land and borders from the drifting cloud of war that crosses boundaries and enters their territory—uniting beyond political and other differences—and recognize that collaboration is a national duty”.

The ABO also calls upon social and political actors in the country who genuinely seek peaceful solutions, as well as human rights organizations, the international community, diplomats, and various embassies in the country, to prioritize lasting peace and stability as a matter of collective concern.

Renewed Commitment

“The Oromo Liberation Front reaffirms that it will continue to fulfill its responsibility to protect the peace of Oromia, united with its people”.

The statement is signed and dated February 17, 2026, in Finfinne, carrying the organization’s motto: “Victory to the Masses!”

This report is based on an official statement issued by the Oromo Liberation Front (ABO) on February 17, 2026, addressing the security situation in Oromia and calling for peaceful resolution of conflicts and united defense of Oromia’s territorial integrity.