7 Ethiopia Armed Groups Join Alliance 2026

Seven Ethiopian opposition and armed groups have formed a new alliance with the purpose of bringing down the Prosperity Party-led government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and establishing an inclusive transitional government.

The Ethiopian People’s Forces Alliance for Survival, or simply the Alliance for Survival, was formed on September 20, 2026. The formation of this coalition has brought together various armed groups from regions such as Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, Somali, Afar, and Benishangul-Gumuz.

According to the founders of the alliance, the federal government is responsible for the aggravation of armed conflicts, displacement, poverty, and the limitation of political and democratic freedoms. These accusations were voiced by the newly formed alliance.

Members of the New Alliance of Ethiopia

Seven political groups comprise the coalition, including the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), Amhara Fano National Movement, Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), Afar Revolutionary Democratic Unity Front (Ugugumo), Benishangul Peoples’ Liberation Movement and Gumuz Peoples’ Democratic Movement.

According to Zemene Kassie, the chairman of Amhara Fano National Movement who made the statement on Tigrai TV, these political groups agreed to cooperate in order to topple the existing government and establish a transitional administration. On the other hand, Amanuel Assefa, the vice-president of TPLF, told AFP that the groups would work together to remove the government.

The alliance is interesting as some of its members used to be enemies in the previous conflicts within Ethiopia. While Fano forces took part in the fight against the TPLF during the Tigray War in 2020-2022, federal forces have been fighting the OLA since 2018, and the Fano forces have been fighting in Amhara since 2023.

What Does the Coalition Want?

According to the Alliance for Survival, the initial objective of the group would be to remove the allegedly oppressive government of the Prosperity Party and create an inclusive transitional government that works on the basis of a transitional charter.

Furthermore, the charter declares the need to stop all the fighting and protect the human and democratic rights of all the citizens. It also calls for economic stabilisation and inclusive political and constitutional dialogue among all the nations and political organizations of Ethiopia.

Therefore, it is quite evident that it is not only a military alliance, as the program of the Alliance for Survival combines opposition to the federal government with political transition.

Can the Seven Groups Be One Military Force?

One of the most important questions remains the same.

They share the common political goal but have very different backgrounds and interests. TPLF and Amhara forces used to be enemies, and OLA has its own fight with the federal government.

In this regard, it has been reported that past collaboration between some of these movements was never an indication of a single military coordination system. The test of this theory will be the ability of these groups to establish common operational mechanisms and work together even if there are conflicts over certain territories.

What’s Next in Ethiopia?

The news comes amid growing tension in northern Ethiopia, where federal and Tigrayan forces have intensified their troop presence. At the same time, Ethiopia is coping with insurgencies in Amhara and Oromia.

So far, Ethiopian authorities have not responded to AFP’s request for comment on the newly formed alliance.

In any case, what is going to happen next will depend on the ability of the Alliance for Survival to continue its role as a political alliance or transform into a multi-faceted military force.