Ethiopian Opposition Groups Form Alliance to Oust Abiy
Seven armed groups, including the Tigray People's Liberation Front, the Amhara Fano National Movement, and the Oromo Liberation Army, announced the 'Ethiopian Forces for Survival Alliance' to end Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's rule. The coalition brings together former adversaries, reflecting a widening rift between Abiy and his erstwhile allies. Tensions with Eritrea, which previously backed Abiy, are also rising.
The alliance unites groups that once fought each other. Fano forces previously supported federal troops against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front during the 2020–2022 war. Their shift followed the government’s 2023 decision to dissolve regional special forces, which raised fears in Amhara. The 2022 Pretoria agreement left territorial and security disputes unresolved in Tigray, contributing to renewed tensions in 2026.
Eritrea’s support for Abiy during the Tigray war has eroded, with analysts citing Asmara’s stance as a factor in the groups’ coordination. Recent clashes saw Tigrayan rebels seize airports, while the army reported killing 272 fighters. The US ambassador criticized the TPLF’s attack, noting sanctions and urging dialogue.
The alliance may intensify armed conflict across several regions, potentially displacing more civilians and disrupting local economies. The rift with Eritrea could draw in external actors, raising regional stakes. The US ambassador’s criticism suggests diplomatic isolation for the TPLF, but the coalition’s broad base may complicate federal responses. This could deepen political fragmentation, affecting ordinary Ethiopians through insecurity and reduced access to services, while prolonging humanitarian needs.