Ethiopia signs peace deal with rebel group in oil-rich region
After over 30 years of conflict, Ethiopia has secured a peace agreement with the separatist ONLF group. The deal opens up a political path for ONLF (Ogaden National Liberation Front) to push for the rights of ethnic Somalis in eastern Ethiopia.
"The Ethiopian government and ONLF delegations held productive discussions and reached a historic deal that allows the ONLF to undertake a peaceful political struggle in Ethiopia," Ethiopia's foreign ministry said.
The recent thaw of ties between Ethiopia and former rival Eritrea has also helped transform Eritrea from one of the ONLF's main sponsors to a mediator between Ethiopia and the rebel group.
For years, ONLF rebels and Ethiopian troops have clashed in the eastern Somali regional state, which is thought to contain vast oil and gas deposits. One Chinese firm has been developing two gas fields in the region since 2013.
https://www.dw.com/en/ethiopia-signs-peace-deal-with-rebel-group-in-oil-rich-region/a-45988021
