Somalia's cabinet absolves ONLF as terrorist group

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's cabinet on Sunday approved a resolution rescinding a decision that recognized Ogaden National Liberation Front [ONLF] as a terror organization, a move that had previously created a rift between the group and the government of Somalia.

During the administration of former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, the government of Somalia subjected ONLF to scrutiny following differences between the group and the regional leadership of the Somali region in Ethiopia.

From 2017 onwards, the group has been treated we terrorists in Somalia but has been fighting to clear its name. And on Sunday, the Somali cabinet also declared rendition on ONLF commander Abdikarim Qalbi Dhagah on August 28 to Ethiopia “illegal”.

During voting, 21 ministers voted in favor of ONLF while one voted against and another one abstained. ONLF has been fighting the administration of Somali region President Mustafa Omer, who is accused of mistreating the group.

In a tweet, ONLF welcomed the decision adding that the cabinet did "justice" to the group. The group also termed the resolution by Somalia's cabinet as a landmark adding that the Ogaden region will forever cherish it.

"The Cabinet of Somalia has rescinded the decision of the previous Cabinet in 2017 which decreed that ONLF was a terrorist organization and the rendition of Abdikarin Sh Muse -An EC member was legal. Now The Cabinet acknowledged the miscarriage of justice that occurred," read the statement.

"ONLF commends The PM of Somalia and his cabinet. This is a historic landmark decision that the Somali people in Ogaden will cherish for centuries to come. This is a lesson to those who transgress against the just rights of peoples."

Ethiopia closely works with outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo of Somalia and the group has been critical of the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. ONLF has been battling to seize power in the Somali region popularly known as Ogaden.

GAROWE ONLINE