Oromo and Gumuz rebels fighting side by side
The Oromo Liberation Army and Gumuz People’s Democratic Movement are reportedly fighting side by side in western Ethiopia.
In what is seemingly the first substantive sign of a grand coalition of rebel groups, the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and the Gumuz People’s Democratic Movement (GPDM) have formed mixed units to fight against government forces in Metekel and Kamashi. This comes months after the announced military alliance between the OLA and the Tigrayan Defense Forces which was stated to be merely a precursor to an upcoming larger coalition.
GPDM was formed out a faction of the Gumuz militia that sparked the insurgency in Beneshangul-Gumuz state back in 2018. It is somewhat surprising to see this development as the OLA was engaged in clashes with those Gumuz militiamen in 2018 and 2019 following the latters attack on Oromo civilians in Beneshangul-Gumuz state. According to experts, the OLA’s need to secure supply routes to Sudan most likely played a big role in the development of this agreement with the GPDM.
The combined OLA-GPDM units first appeared during a battle in Gallesa town in Metekel. Since then, these units have been commonplace throughout Metekel and Kamashi. Likewise, Gumuz fighters have been seen manning checkpoints in parts of East Wollega.
