A member of the Ethiopian ruling party’s armed forces has defected to the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in Haaruu district, West Wallagga zone, according to a statement released on 9 June by Oromia National Media–Arrata Biyyoolessa Oromiyaa (ONM-ABO).
The fighter, whose name has not been made public, reportedly surrendered on 8 June, bringing with him an AKM rifle, a magazine, and multiple rounds of ammunition. He is said to have escaped from a Prosperity Party (PP) military camp and voluntarily joined the OLA, also known as Waraana Bilisummaa Oromoo (WBO), which operates in the area.
According to ONM-ABO, the defector was received warmly by OLA forces and expressed deep regret for having served in what he described as a coercive system. He is reported to have asked forgiveness from the Oromo people, citing personal and collective suffering under the PP regime.
In the same statement, the OLA called on other Oromo individuals serving in government security structures to abandon what it called a campaign of repression against their own people and instead support the armed struggle for a free Oromia by joining the OLA with their weapons.
The defection is described as part of a broader trend of Oromo fighters leaving government ranks, driven by disillusionment with the ruling party and growing sympathy with the liberation movement. The OLA claimed that such defections represent a significant blow to the PP’s efforts to maintain control through military force, and a sign of increasing resistance within the security apparatus itself.
The statement also criticised the Prosperity Party’s governance as being in violation of international norms and human rights frameworks, alleging widespread repression in Oromia.
As of publication, there has been no comment from the Prosperity Party or local government authorities regarding the reported defection.
