Alliance for Survival rejects Rubio’s characterization of Ethiopia’s conflict

The Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival has officially rejected comments made by US official Marco Rubio, which characterized elements of the Ethiopian conflict as separatist and terrorist in nature. In a statement released on 18 October, the alliance argued that its military operations are strictly for self-defense rather than aimed at fragmentation or separatism. They claimed that their actions were forced by the government's refusal to pursue peaceful resolutions to the conflict.

The alliance specifically referenced the failure of the November 2022 Pretoria Agreement as a key factor in the continuation of the conflict. They called upon Washington to reconsider its stance and adopt a more balanced approach toward the situation in Ethiopia. The group maintains that they are not seeking to break the country apart, challenging the narrative presented by the US official. No further details regarding future military strategies were provided in the statement.