ENDF reports killing OLA figure involved in Dar es Salaam peace talks
Addis Abeba– The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) announced that it has “killed” a man identified as Shode, described as “a close associate” of Kumsa Diriba, also known as Jaal Marroo, the leader of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), who the ENDF claimed participated in the Dar es Salaam peace talks as part of the group’s delegation.
In a statement issued on 06 April, the ENDF said Shode was “killed in action” in East Wollega Zone, Haro Limu district, near Genji, “on the road from Korma River to Sugi,” while he was “traveling in hiding on a motorcycle.” The operation, according to the statement, was conducted “based on information obtained by security forces” on the evening of 04 April 2025.
The ENDF further claimed that Shode had “come out of the jungle” to attend the talks and had “traveled all the way to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania with Jaal Marroo.” It also alleged that, upon returning from Tanzania, he was “appointed by Jaal Marroo as the commander of all Wollega Zones.”
A senior OLA representative involved in the Dar es Salaam negotiations confirmed to Addis Standard that Shode participated in the peace talks, but clarified he “participated as head of Jaal Marroo’s security detail in Dar es Salaam.” Speaking anonymously about the implications, the commander stated the government “have been making mockery of any effort at peace.”
The Dar es Salaam talks, which began in early November 2023, marked the second round of negotiations between the federal government and the OLA, following an earlier round held in Zanzibar in April of the same year. Both were mediated by IGAD, with participation from representatives of Norway, Kenya, and the United States.
While the first round ended with both sides citing “constructive engagement” but failing to reach a deal, the second round—despite the involvement of top OLA figures, including Jaal Marroo and Jaal Gemechu Aboye—also collapsed after two weeks of talks over what were described as unresolved “key political matters.”
The ENDF, in its statement added that “numerous members of the Shene group who were accompanying and traveling with Shode have also been eliminated,” although it did not provide names or specific figures.
According to the ENDF, “fighters of the terrorist Shene”—a term used by the government to refer to the OLA—have recently “been severely hit in North Shewa Zone and other areas,” and are now “crumbling, surrendering, being captured,” or “dispersed” amid ongoing military operations. AS
Crédito: Link de origem