Jawar’s return may shake up Ethiopian politics

Significance

This was the first time Jawar had spoken out since his release from prison in January, a silence that fed speculation he had struck a deal with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government. In the interview, Jawar called for peace and dialogue, and appealed to a nationwide audience, rather than leveraging his trademark Oromo ethnonationalist politics.

Impacts

• Jawar’s political return may deflate the popularity of the armed opposition Oromo Liberation Army (OLA).
• Jawar’s shift could strengthen the chances for a peaceful settlement to the conflicts in Oromia and northern Ethiopia.
• Possible splits within other opposition parties could see splinter factions align across different sides of the political divide.