**Ethiopian Armed Groups Unite to Challenge Federal Government**
Seven armed groups in Ethiopia have announced the formation of a coalition aimed at overthrowing the government led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The alliance, named the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival, was unveiled on Sunday, September 21, 2026, with the stated goal of establishing an inclusive transitional government.
The coalition comprises various factions, including the Amhara Fano National Movement, which has been engaged in conflict with federal forces in the Amhara region since 2023. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), a dominant political force in Ethiopia for nearly three decades before Abiy Ahmed's rise to power in 2018, is also part of this alliance. Additionally, the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), which has been involved in ongoing clashes with federal troops in Oromia since 2018, is included in the coalition. Four smaller groups, namely the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), the Afar Revolutionary Democratic Unity Front (Ugugumo), the Benishangul Peoples’ Liberation Movement, and the Gumuz Peoples’ Democratic Movement, complete the alliance.
The formation of this alliance follows a year of discussions among the groups, as reported by sources close to the Fano movement. The announcement comes in the wake of renewed violence in Tigray, which has raised concerns about a potential return to widespread conflict in the region. Clashes have also been reported in Oromia and Amhara, further complicating the security landscape in Ethiopia.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who took office with promises of significant reforms, has faced increasing criticism from opponents and human rights advocates. While he initially released political prisoners and lifted bans on various political parties, many believe that his government has since reverted to authoritarian practices. The newly formed alliance has accused the federal government of imposing a "dictatorial rule," which they claim has exacerbated ethnic tensions and pushed the nation towards fragmentation.
In their joint statement, the alliance emphasized the need for a transitional government that would prioritize ending ongoing conflicts, safeguarding human rights, and facilitating national dialogue. Jaal Marroo, the military leader of the OLA, indicated that the groups had engaged in multiple meetings to finalize their collaboration. Zemene Kassie, the leader of Fano, had hinted at the alliance's formation in an interview with the Swiss newspaper Le Temps earlier in August.
The Ethiopian government has not yet issued a response to the announcement of the alliance. Historically, Fano had allied with federal forces during the Tigray conflict from 2020 to 2022, which resulted in significant loss of life and widespread suffering. The ongoing disputes over territorial claims, particularly in Western Tigray, remain a contentious issue between Amhara and Tigray factions.
Eyob Tilahun, an academic specializing in Ethiopian affairs, noted that the alliance reflects a shared perception among the groups of a survival threat posed by the federal government. He emphasized that the coalition's formation is driven by a desire to address the best interests of the Ethiopian populace amid escalating violence and political instability.
The 2022 peace agreement, which was brokered in Pretoria, South Africa, aimed to resolve the conflict between the federal government and Tigray forces. However, it has faced significant challenges, particularly regarding issues of disarmament and the legal status of the TPLF. In July, the TPLF declared the peace deal "effectively dead," signaling a deterioration in relations and a potential resurgence of hostilities.
As Ethiopia grapples with these complex dynamics, the newly formed alliance underscores the ongoing struggle for power and representation among various ethnic groups within the country. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation in violence as the coalition seeks to challenge the existing government structure.