ONM-ABO, June 16, 2025 – A total of five members of the Ethiopian Imperial Defense Forces (EDF) have reportedly defected to the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) from two districts in the Oromia region, according to local sources and OLA leadership.
Two EDF soldiers surrendered to the OLA on June 12, 2025, in Arfinjo Daga village, located in Dirre Incinni district of West Shaggar. The defectors cited disillusionment with what they described as a regime that has lost the trust of its citizens and governs solely to preserve power. They expressed regret for having previously taken up arms against their own people, stating they were unaware they were serving foreign interests. The soldiers said they were warmly welcomed by the OLA and affirmed their Oromo identity.
Separately, on June 13, 2025, three additional EDF soldiers defected from Fantalle district in East Shaggar. According to OLA officials in the area, the three arrived fully armed, surrendering two Turkish-made AKM rifles and a multi-barrel Kalashnikov.
The Fantalle defectors condemned the regime for forcibly conscripting poor youth from schools and workplaces across Oromia. They urged other soldiers to leave what they called the “enemy camp” and join the Oromo liberation struggle.
The OLA, also known as Waraana Bilisummaa Oromoo (WBO), has continued to attract defectors amid growing dissatisfaction with the Prosperity Party-led government and its military policies in Oromia.
