Historic peace talks in Ethiopia end without deal

A historic round of peace talks between the Ethiopian government and the rebel Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) have ended without a deal to end the conflict in the vast Oromia region.

Government negotiator Redwan Hussein tweeted that talks had been “largely constructive”, but “unfortunately it was not possible to reach an agreement on some issues during this round of the talks”.

Understanding had been reached in some areas, but not on key political differences, Mr Redwan said.

He also acknowledged the need for talks to continue to resolve the conflict permanently and peacefully.

The two sides met in Tanzania in the first major initiative to end the rebellion in Oromia.

The OLA says it is fighting for “self-determination” for Oromia and has carried out a series of raids on government forces in the region.

The talks came about six months after Ethiopia’s government reached a peace deal to end a bloody two-year war in the northern region of Tigray.

The OLA had allied itself with Tigrayan forces in a failed bid to overthrow the government.

Source: BBC