Operations in Northern Kenya (OLF-OLA Press Release)
We have received reports that Kenyan police have launched operations to root out criminal elements in Marsabit and Isiolo counties, with the OLA's name being associated with these activities. We would like to draw attention to the following key points:
1. The OLA upholds and fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Kenya. Over 95% of our Southern Command forces operate deep within southern Oromia, while fewer than 5% are stationed near the Kenyan border. Our operations in these areas are considerate of Kenya's sovereignty.
2. The OLA is steadfast in its commitment to the safety and security of the Borana and other brotherly Kenyan communities. We oppose all forms of criminal activity that disrupt their peaceful existence. Should the need arise, we are willing to cooperate with Kenyan authorities in efforts to eliminate criminal elements along our shared border.
3. We are fully aware of transnational criminal networks engaged in drug, human, and precious metal trafficking on both sides of the border. These illicit operations have been established and sustained by high-ranking members of the Ethiopian government army and intelligence services, who exploit legal banking channels to facilitate their activities. If, by any chance, any OLA member is found to be aiding, abetting, or in any way involved with these state-sponsored warlords within the ENDF and Ethiopian intelligence, we stand ready to take action in addressing the matter.
4. We urge the Kenyan police to exercise caution and not be misled by Ethiopian authorities, who seek to divert attention from their own complicity in organized crime. The Ethiopian regime, in pursuit of a cheap public relations campaign against the OLA, may attempt to fabricate narratives that deflect scrutiny from the real perpetrators-who reside within the Ethiopian regime itself. Probing for criminals where they do not exist only serves to shield those truly responsible.
5. The Ethiopian regime has a well-documented recent history of dragging neighboring countries into its internal conflicts, particularly as it struggles to fight growing resistance across the country. While we recognize that
Kenya has admirably maintained neutrality in Ethiopia's domestic affairs, we caution Kenyan authorities against being swayed by the deceptive overtures of a treasonous regime. We urge Kenya to continue its tradition of balanced and constructive engagement with all parties, fostering peace and stability in the region.
We have received reports that Kenyan police have launched operations to root out criminal elements in Marsabit and Isiolo counties, with the OLA's name being associated with these activities. We would like to draw attention to the following key points:
1. The OLA upholds and fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Kenya. Over 95% of our Southern Command forces operate deep within southern Oromia, while fewer than 5% are stationed near the Kenyan border. Our operations in these areas are considerate of Kenya's sovereignty.
2. The OLA is steadfast in its commitment to the safety and security of the Borana and other brotherly Kenyan communities. We oppose all forms of criminal activity that disrupt their peaceful existence. Should the need arise, we are willing to cooperate with Kenyan authorities in efforts to eliminate criminal elements along our shared border.
3. We are fully aware of transnational criminal networks engaged in drug, human, and precious metal trafficking on both sides of the border. These illicit operations have been established and sustained by high-ranking members of the Ethiopian government army and intelligence services, who exploit legal banking channels to facilitate their activities. If, by any chance, any OLA member is found to be aiding, abetting, or in any way involved with these state-sponsored warlords within the ENDF and Ethiopian intelligence, we stand ready to take action in addressing the matter.
4. We urge the Kenyan police to exercise caution and not be misled by Ethiopian authorities, who seek to divert attention from their own complicity in organized crime. The Ethiopian regime, in pursuit of a cheap public relations campaign against the OLA, may attempt to fabricate narratives that deflect scrutiny from the real perpetrators-who reside within the Ethiopian regime itself. Probing for criminals where they do not exist only serves to shield those truly responsible.
5. The Ethiopian regime has a well-documented recent history of dragging neighboring countries into its internal conflicts, particularly as it struggles to fight growing resistance across the country. While we recognize that
Kenya has admirably maintained neutrality in Ethiopia's domestic affairs, we caution Kenyan authorities against being swayed by the deceptive overtures of a treasonous regime. We urge Kenya to continue its tradition of balanced and constructive engagement with all parties, fostering peace and stability in the region.