The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), an armed group fighting the Ethiopian government in the Oromia region, has denied rumors of internal division following allegations that Sagni Nagasa’s central zone command had split from the group.
Last week, Sagni claimed that his faction would no longer operate under the OLA, accusing leader Kumsa Diriba (also known as Jaal Marroo) of authoritarianism and stating that the group lacked “bylaws and a constitution.” He argued that Diriba had centralized power and imposed his own vision on the organization, which, according to Sagni, had led to internal disarray. “The armed OLA forces fighting in different regions have fallen into disarray,” he told BBC Afaan Oromoo.
However, OLA’s Public Relations Office swiftly dismissed these claims, asserting that Sagni had been expelled from the group months ago due to “treasonous sabotage.” They alleged that he had been in contact with officers from the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF). “There is no split within the OLA. Sagni is merely a bitter ex-member whose actions have been condemned by all OLA commands across Oromia,” the office told Ethiopian media.
The OLA further clarified its organizational structure, stating that it is led collectively by a chief commander, deputy commander, an executive committee, and a general assembly of 57 members. The group firmly rejected Sagni’s claims of authoritarianism, insisting that leadership decisions are made collectively.
Following talks between the OLA and the Ethiopian government in Tanzania in November last year, Sagni was appointed as head of intelligence for the group. However, tensions reportedly escalated when he declined the position and refused to relinquish command of the fighters under his control.
In a recent interview with ABC Afaan Oromoo, Sagni expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue with the government, despite the internal conflicts within the OLA.
The Oromia region has been a hotspot for conflict between the OLA and government forces, resulting in widespread violence, alleged human rights abuses, and displacement of civilians. The OLA’s fight for greater autonomy in Oromia continues to destabilize the region.