The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) condemned Ethiopia’s meeting with Chinese company Poly-GCL to exploit Somali resources.
ONLF insisted that oil talks must address Somali self-determination and highlights Ethiopia’s failure to honor past agreements.
“For over a century, the Somali people have fought for their self-determination,” ONLF stated, criticizing Ethiopia’s actions.
They also said extracting oil while ignoring political rights is theft and will not be tolerated.
ONLF cited violence linked to oil exploration, including mass killings in 2007 by Ethiopian forces.
“Thousands of Somali civilians were killed, with no accountability,” ONLF added.
ONLF warned Poly-GCL and China of severe consequences if they proceed without Somalia’s consent, holding them fully responsible.
The group also rejected Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s authority to negotiate oil deals, declaring such agreements “null and void.”
“Only Somalis have the right to manage their resources and oppose foreign exploitation”, they said.
They also vowed strong resistance if Ethiopia continues to exploit Somali resources without consent.
