Oromo Liberation Army detains Chinese nationals
In a press release sent out today, the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) claims it has “detained three Chinese nationals involved in mining operations around Mendi, West Welega”. It is unclear what company these individuals were associated with.
The rebel organization accused mining companies operating in the mineral resource-rich region of West Welega of displacing and not “adequately” compensating local communities. It goes further to blame them for not doing enough to “[mitigate] the effects these operations have had on the health of surrounding communities”. Most notably, the press release refers to these operations as “illegal” :
Additionally, as we stated on our September 3rd, 2020 Statement, any contract entered with the Abiy regime became null and void after October 10th, 2020.
October 10th, 2020 was supposed to be the date when the mandate for Abiy’s government was set to end. However, the government extended its term citing the need to postpone elections due to COVID-19.
West Welega has been a stronghold of the Oromo Liberation Army for the last three years and, according to local sources, the federal government has only been able to maintain control of a few major towns in the area. The press release does not name the Chinese nationals but states that they are “in safe hands and in good health”.
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