The Ogaden National Liberation Movement (ONLF), has on Sunday 12 August 2018 declared unilateral ceasefire after ‘considering the call for peace by the current Ethiopian government leader, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
The ONLF has been at conflict with the Ethiopian government fighting for autonomy regarding the Somali Ogaden territory since 1994.
According to the statement released by the ONLF, the ceasefire follows amongst other considerations, its commitment to engage in a peaceful negotiated settlement of the conflict, stressing the key role ONLF and the Somalis in Ogaden in bringing peace, stability and progress in the wider Horn of Africa Region.
The statement further emphasised the need for all stakeholders including the Ethiopian government to pursue peaceful resolution in the long standing Ogaden conflict.
The Ogaden National Liberation Front declares Unilateral ceasefire from today- 12:00 pm, August 12, 2018 that and will cease all military and security operations directed against the Ethiopian Security Apparatus in the Somali territory (Ogaden), until negotiated comprehensive cessation of hostilities is reached with the Ethiopian government. ONLF calls upon the Ethiopian government to reciprocate in kind in order to halt any further acts that could hamper the initiated peace process and hasten the proposed peace talks.
The ONLF has of late been calling on all armed Groups in the Ogaden territory at all levels to maintain peace, saying people do not need anymore violence.