Seven distinct opposition groups in Ethiopia have declared the formation of a new coalition, the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival, with the stated objective of removing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his administration from power. The announcement, made on Sunday, signals a significant escalation in the political and security challenges facing the federal government.
The alliance includes the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the Amhara Fano National Movement, the Oromo Liberation Army, the Ogaden National Liberation Front, the Afar Revolutionary Democratic Unity Front, the Benishangul Peoples’ Liberation Movement, and the Gumuz Peoples’ Democratic Movement. The inclusion of the TPLF is particularly notable, as the group previously engaged in a major armed conflict with federal authorities that concluded with a peace accord in November 2022.
Addressing the validity of that agreement, TPLF spokesman Michael Asgedom stated that the peace accord is "no longer valid." Asgedom further indicated that the group’s engagement with other factions involves both military and political cooperation. He noted that "military operations may become necessary to achieve the objective of removing the dictatorial regime."
Zemene Kassie, chairman of the Amhara Fano National Movement, appeared on Tigray TV on Sunday to announce the coalition. He accused the federal government of presiding over widespread insecurity, poverty, armed conflict, displacement, and gross human rights abuses. In response, the Ethiopian Media Authority stated on Monday that Tigray TV is an illegal entity and accused the station of promoting insurgency.
The federal government, led by the Prosperity Party, has faced ongoing instability, including conflicts in the Amhara and Oromia provinces, in addition to the aftermath of the Tigray war. Abiy, who became prime minister in 2018 and received the Nobel Peace Prize for his diplomatic efforts with Eritrea, now faces heightened tensions with his neighbor. Relations have deteriorated over issues including Ethiopia’s desire for sovereign access to the Eritrean seaport of Assab and mutual accusations regarding the support of rebel groups. Abiy’s Prosperity Party retained power in June's general election, which was boycotted by the main opposition groups.
While the coalition has publicly committed to ousting Abiy, the extent to which these seven diverse groups will coordinate their efforts remains unclear.
After relations between the neighbors improved, Eritrean forces teamed up with Ethiopian troops against fighters loyal to the TPLF in 2020.
