ONM-ABO April 23, 2026
A soldier from the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) has defected to the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in the district of Boojji Birmajji, in a move that underscores rising discontent within the federal military.
In a statement released on 19 April 2026, the Oromo Liberation Army confirmed that the former government soldier presented himself to its forces the previous day, fully equipped with his service weapon, ammunition, and complete military gear. The defection is the latest in a series of reported desertions that the OLA says reflect a crisis of morale within the ENDF.
According to testimony attributed to the defector, his entry into national military service was not voluntary. He claims to have been compelled into training and describes a deepening disillusionment with both his circumstances and the duties he was asked to perform. That personal conflict, he says, ultimately drove him to join the OLA, which he now believes represents the collective aspirations of the Oromo people.
The former soldier reportedly expressed profound satisfaction with the reception he received from OLA forces, noting that he was treated with respect and warmth, a stark contrast, he said, to his experience in the national army. He spoke of a newfound sense of belonging.
In his appeal to fellow Oromo still serving in the ENDF, the defector argued that the Oromo people are carrying an unsustainable burden by fighting in conflicts that do not serve their fundamental interests. He urged greater unity and solidarity with the OLA, framing it as the only viable path to safeguarding the community’s shared future and well-being.
The Oromo Liberation Army has not disclosed the soldier’s rank or unit. However, analysts tracking the conflict in Oromia say such defections, are significant victories for the liberation movement. The ENDF has yet to comment on the incident.
