Operation Egeree Oromia: A Turning Point in Oromo's Struggle?
Published May 31, 2026, 4:20 p.m. by FNN
The Oromia region, long embroiled in conflict, has witnessed a significant development in the ongoing struggle with the launch of Operation Egeree Oromia. The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) announced the commencement of this special operation in a statement distributed to its members on 29 May 2026. According to the statement, key components of the operation include the closure of transportation routes and a military campaign targeting ruling-party forces deployed across Oromia.
On the first day of the operation, local sources reported substantial losses among government forces, which supporters of the operation described as a turning point in the conflict. The operation reportedly resulted in the liberation of prisoners, the capture of government personnel, and the seizure of weapons, while also disrupting strategic routes across multiple zones of Oromia.
The OLA stated that it inflicted casualties on forces loyal to the ruling Prosperity Party (PP). Although the exact number of casualties has yet to be confirmed, local reports indicate significant losses among government forces. In addition to the reported capture of large numbers of government personnel, the operation allegedly led to the release of several prisoners, though their identities and the circumstances of their detention remain unclear. Among those reportedly captured was a battalion commander- a major general - who stated that he had surrendered to OLA forces operating in western Oromia.
The operation also resulted in the seizure of a considerable cache of weapons, potentially enhancing the OLA’s military capabilities and altering the dynamics of the conflict. Intense fighting was reported in several areas, including Boji Coqorsa in West Wallaga Zone, Hora Arsade near the capital, parts of West Arsi Zone, the Hararghe zones of eastern Oromia, Wallo in northern Oromia, central Oromia zones, and parts of West Guji.
Supporters view Operation Egeree Oromia as a new chapter in Oromo resistance against Prosperity Party forces. The PP, which has been engaged in an ongoing conflict with the OLA, recently vowed to eliminate forces that it says seek to hinder or interfere with the upcoming seventh election.
In the lead-up to the election, media debates have been frequent, but many Oromo political parties argue that the outcome is unlikely to differ from previous elections. Among the parties participating in Oromia are the ruling Prosperity Party and the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF). The OLF is fielding only a limited number of candidates in federal and regional elections, citing extensive restrictions imposed by the ruling party. OLF chairperson Dawit Ibsa Ayana is reportedly not participating in the election, possibly due to a lack of confidence that the process will produce meaningful political change.
Another prominent Oromo opposition party, the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC), led by Prof. Merara Gudina, is participating only in elections held in the capital. According to party supporters, this limited participation is intended to avoid the revocation of its registration by the Ethiopian Electoral Commission.
Political analysts suggest that the outcome of the current election is unlikely to differ substantially from the previous six elections, in which Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s ruling party and its predecessors claimed overwhelming victories. Critics argue that those elections were characterized by restrictions on political competition, intimidation, and the exclusion of opposition voices.
According to reporting by The Economist, the election may be followed by a national dialogue process that could lead to constitutional amendments. Critics have expressed concern that provisions they consider fundamental - particularly Article 39, which guarantees the right to self-determination, along with other articles related to regional autonomy - could be vulnerable to revision during any constitutional reform process.
Citing the anticipated election outcome and what it describes as a lack of political freedom, the OLA has rejected the legitimacy of the election and is expected to attempt to disrupt it. Several strategic routes throughout Oromia have reportedly been blocked as part of Operation Egeree Oromia. These disruptions could significantly affect the movement and operations of PP forces in the region, adding further complexity to the conflict.
While many supporters regard Operation Egeree Oromia - loosely translated as Operation Future of Oromia - as a major development, it remains unclear whether the campaign is intended as a short-term operation lasting only days or weeks, or as a sustained effort aimed at bringing broader political change. Supporters have hailed the events of the operation’s first day as a milestone in Oromo resistance, arguing that it has weakened PP forces while strengthening the OLA’s position.
Nevertheless, the broader implications of these developments remain uncertain. With PP forces yet to issue a comprehensive response to the reported events, the coming days and weeks may prove pivotal in determining the future trajectory of the conflict in Oromia.
What remains certain is that the Prosperity Party will claim victory and seek to further consolidate its grip on power across Ethiopian empire. Barring a significant shift in the political landscape, its rule is likely to continue until it is challenged either by a successful military campaign or by widespread popular unrest. The latter scenario appears less likely, given the relatively subdued /tepid civilian opposition to PP rule and the limited public confidence in opposition political leaders’ ability to safeguard and build upon any civilian-led political gains.
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