Jigjiga (Dawan Africa) – Members of the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) have strongly condemned the congress held in Jigjiga on June 30, 2025, which led to the election of a new leader, Abdikarim Sheikh Muse (Qalbi-Dhagax). The congress, referred to as the 5th ONLF Congress, has been labeled an unlawful and politically orchestrated event by several members of the group.
In a statement published on the ONLF website, the organization rejected the congress, accusing it of being politically manipulated with the support of the Prosperity Party (PP), the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), and the Somali regional administration. The ONLF claims that the congress is part of a broader effort to dismantle the organization, seize Ogaden's natural resources, and undermine Ethiopia’s federal constitutional system, which protects the autonomy of its regions.
"This is not just an internal political disruption – it is a calculated attempt to undermine a genuine liberation movement that has long stood for the rights of the Somali people of Ogaden," the statement read. The ONLF further emphasized that its leadership has always been democratically chosen by its people, and not influenced by external political forces.
"No external entity has the right to overthrow or hijack our movement," the statement asserted.
The congress, which took place on June 30, 2025, saw the election of Qalbi-Dhagax as the new leader of ONLF, replacing Ahman Sheikh Mahdi (Maadey), who was removed from his position by members of the ONLF Central Committee.
“Let there be no mistake: ONLF’s constitutional order, its leadership structure, and its legitimacy remain firmly in place,” the ONLF statement reaffirmed, insisting that the group would not allow any efforts to dismantle their movement.
This development highlights an escalating internal conflict within ONLF, fueled by differing views on leadership and the future direction of the organization.
