The first round of peace talks between the Ethiopian government and rebels from the Oromia region ended without an agreement, amid conflict that has killed hundreds and displaced tens of thousands, the parties announced on Wednesday.
Rebel groups in Oromia, home to Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, have been fighting the federal government for decades, accusing it of marginalizing and neglecting the Oromos.
The government stated, "While the talks were largely constructive, an agreement could not be reached on some issues during this round of discussions," adding that "both parties agreed to continue the talks."
The Oromo Liberation Army, a banned group splintered from the previously banned Oromo Liberation Front opposition party, confirmed in a statement its desire to continue negotiations, stating that no agreement was reached on "key issues."
The talks, mediated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), began last week in Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous region in Tanzania.
The violence in Oromia, surrounding the capital Addis Ababa, poses a significant security challenge for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed following a two-year civil war in the Tigray region in the north of the country, which ended when both parties signed a peace agreement last November.
