The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and Shene (Oromo Liberation Army) have been categorised as terrorist organisations.

In a statement released on 1^st May by the Office of the Prime Minister, the Council of Ministers said the two organisations are responsible for attacks carried out in various parts of the country.

“In the last three years, there have been a number of attacks on civilians in various parts of the country to reverse the reforms that have taken place through the demands and struggles of the Ethiopian people for democracy and human rights. As a result, many lives have been lost and maimed, citizens have been displaced and properties were destroyed. These attacks have left society in constant anticipation of danger and tear, undermine trust in the government and among the people. Various evidence point to the existential threat faced by the state as a result of these organized actions.

“These attacks have been perpetrated against innocent civilians and through the destruction of public infrastructure for political purposes and to achieve political goals or objectives. These attacks, which have been taking place in different parts of the country, have had different perpetrators. But behind the attacks are groups that have played a leading role in orchestrating, funding, providing ideas, training culprits, providing media coverage and assistance. It is also clear that these groups are being exploited by foreign forces seeking to weaken, disrupt and dismantle Ethiopia.”

“The crimes that these entities have committed and perpetrated are acts of terrorism. 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.”

On 5^th May, the House of Peoples Representatives, in its 13^th regular session, unanimously approved the resolution passed by the Council of Ministers to designate Shene and TPLF as terrorist organizations.