Field Marshal Birhanu Jula additionally warned civilians in conflicts areas not to get close to armed groups to avoid drone strikes.
In his first official interview since the much-anticipated talks between the government and OLA-Shene, an armed group operating largely in Oromia region failed last month, Chief of Staff Field Marshal Birhanu told state affiliated Fana Television that progresses were made during last month’s second round of negotiations held in Tanzania.
A first round of talks was held in April.
The efforts were facilitated by Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) an organization of East African countries with the support of US and Norwegian governments.
The OLA is deemed a terrorist organisation under Ethiopian law.
“the government cannot share power. It doesn’t have that right. What it can do is make them to participate”
There has been a surge in violence since talks broke down. Field Marshal Birhanu said there’s still a possibility for a third round of talks if OLA fighters accept ‘a final document’ which he said was prepared in the latest round of negotiations.
There were demands of power-sharing in the talks, according to him, but “the government cannot share power. It doesn’t have that right. What it can do is make them to participate,” he added.
The OLA has not yet commented on the remarks.
In recent fighting with armed groups in Oromia and Amhara, drone strikes have reportedly killed civilians. Discussing the issue Field Marshal Birhanu said civilians were not targeted. But “I would like to warn the people that they should not intermingle with extremists,” he said adding “whenever we find a group of extremists, we hit them with drones.” However, the army has not used drones to its full capacity, the chief said.
