Moyale: Peace Talks Underway Between Somali and Oromo Sides Amid Continued Clashes
Two days ago, a call was made for a peace conference and dialogue between the Somali and Oromo sides, aimed at finding a resolution to the conflict in the town of Moyale and its surrounding areas.
The talks began yesterday in Moyale. The Somali side is being led by the security leadership of the Somali Regional State, while the Oromia side is headed by the Speaker of the regional parliament.
The meeting was officially opened yesterday at a military base in the town of Moyale.
Initially, both sides agreed to a temporary ceasefire for the duration of the negotiations. However, clashes were reported yesterday and continued today, Saturday, in the Hudhat district and its surrounding areas.
Proposals Presented by the Oromia Side
The Oromia side presented two preliminary conditions for the talks:
1. That the administration of Moyale town be transferred entirely to the Oromia side and that the town be incorporated into the Oromia regional administration.
2. That the flag of the Somali Regional State, which had been raised in the town, be removed.
The Oromia side presented these points as preliminary conditions that must be agreed upon before formal negotiations can proceed.
Proposals Presented by the Somali Side
The Somali side, in turn, presented three preliminary conditions:
1. That a formal guarantee be provided to ensure that Oromia forces will not launch further attacks on the districts of Moyale and Hudhat.
2. That the districts of Moyale and Hudhat are part of the Somali Regional State, and that the Oromia administration must respect the boundaries between the country’s regional states.
3. That Moyale is an integral part of the Somali Regional State and that its status is not open to negotiation. The Oromia administration should remain within its own territorial jurisdiction.
Current Status of the Talks
The negotiations continued today, Saturday. However, the two sides have yet to reach common ground, largely due to the differing positions and preliminary conditions they have placed on the negotiating table.
Source: Buli Media TV
