Addis Ababa| The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) has reported the killing of a high-ranking member of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), identified as “Shode,” a figure the military alleges played a significant role during the recent Dar es Salaam peace talks between the federal government and the insurgent group.
According to an official statement released by the ENDF on April 6, 2025, Shode was “killed in action” on April 4 during a military operation in Haro Limu district, East Wollega Zone.
The encounter reportedly took place near the town of Genji, along the road between Korma River and Sugi, while Shode was allegedly traveling covertly on a motorcycle.
The ENDF described Shode as a “close associate” of Kumsa Diriba—also known as Jaal Marroo—the leader of the OLA.
It further asserted that Shode had accompanied Jaal Marroo to Tanzania for the second round of peace negotiations, which were held in Dar es Salaam beginning in November 2023.
“He emerged from the forest to participate in the peace talks,” the ENDF stated, adding that “after returning from Tanzania, he was appointed by Jaal Marroo as the commander overseeing all Wollega Zones.”
The military emphasized that the operation was based on “intelligence received from security forces.” The OLA, however, offered a different perspective.
A senior OLA figure involved in the Dar es Salaam negotiations confirmed to Addis Standard that Shode did attend the peace talks, but not as a negotiator. Instead, he served as the head of security for Jaal Marroo during the discussions.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the commander criticized the government’s actions, saying, “They have been making a mockery of any effort at peace.”
The Dar es Salaam peace talks marked the second formal attempt at dialogue between the Ethiopian government and the OLA, following an initial round of negotiations in Zanzibar in April 2023.
Both rounds were mediated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), with international observers and representatives from Norway, Kenya, and the United States in attendance.
While the Zanzibar talks ended with what both parties described as “constructive engagement,” they failed to yield a concrete agreement.
Hopes were renewed during the Dar es Salaam talks, particularly given the involvement of top OLA figures such as Jaal Marroo and Jaal Gemechu Aboye.
However, the second round also broke down after two weeks over what were characterized as fundamental and unresolved political differences.
In its latest statement, the ENDF also claimed that “numerous members of the Shene group”—a term used by the Ethiopian government to describe the OLA—were “eliminated” in the same operation alongside Shode.
The military, however, did not release further details regarding the identities or number of those reportedly killed.
The ENDF further asserted that the OLA has suffered substantial losses in recent weeks, particularly in the North Shewa Zone and other contested areas.
“The group is crumbling, with members being captured, surrendering, or scattering,” the statement claimed, pointing to ongoing nationwide military operations aimed at dismantling OLA strongholds.
The killing of a figure linked to peace talks raises concerns about the future of negotiations and the government’s commitment to dialogue.
Observers warn that such actions may further deepen mistrust between the two sides and risk derailing any prospects for a negotiated resolution to the years-long conflict in the Oromia region.
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