Following several attacks in different parts of the country targeting civilians and public infrastructure over the past couple of years, the Council of Ministers, after its session on Saturday, tabled a resolution to designate Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and OLF-Shene, the armed wing of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), as terrorist organizations. These two groups were listed as terrorist groups due to their relentless activities in training, arming, and financing assaults on civilians and public infrastructures in addition to their direct engagement in attacks themselves, according to FANA broadcaster. The cabinet also says these groups are “being exploited by foreign forces seeking to weaken, disrupt and dismantle Ethiopia”.

The PM office statement says TPLF and OLF-Shene “operate as terrorists and their management or decision-makers have acknowledged or are leading destructive activities on the nation”. It also states “The crimes that these entities have committed and perpetrated are acts of terrorism”. The statement also claimed it “is easy to see that these activities fully comply with the definition of terrorism” under Article 3 of Proclamation No. 1176/2020 on the Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism Crimes. “Instead of individually holding accountable members and supporters of these organizations for their terrorist activities, designating the organizations as terrorist organizations according to the law is deemed more practical to better control and prevent acts of terrorism,” the cabinet said.

The statement concludes that “This decision will become applicable to organizations and individuals who collaborate, have links with or relate to the ideas and actions of the designated terrorist organizations and others who have engaged in similar activities”.