JIGJIGA, Somali State — In a major political development, three prominent Somali organizations have announced the formation of a unified coalition, the Somali People’s Alliance for Self-Determination (SPAS). The declaration, issued in Jigjiga on January 18, 2026, marks what the group calls “the end of restraint” in its dealings with the Ethiopian federal government.
The alliance brings together the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), the Congress for Somali Cause (CSC), and the Somali Regional Democratic Alliance (S.R.D.A). The coalition aims to consolidate Somali political agency and address what it describes as a “calculated campaign aimed at erasure” by the administration in Addis Ababa.
Collapse of the 2018 Peace Consensus
The formation of SPAS signals a definitive breakdown of the trust established during the 2018 political transition. In their joint statement, the groups noted that while they pursued “inalienable rights through disciplined, nonviolent means” following the rise of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, those overtures were met with “dismissal and abuse.”
The alliance accused the current regime of:
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Systematic Repression: Citing persistent violations of fundamental rights.
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Resource Plunder: Alleging accelerated land dispossession and exploitation.
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Demographic Manipulation: Claiming the government has engaged in “demographic engineering” to weaken Somali political influence.
Regional Implications
The declaration comes at a sensitive time for the Horn of Africa. Just days ago, Somalia terminated all bilateral agreements with the UAE and suspended diplomatic relations over concerns regarding national sovereignty. Simultaneously, the Federal Government of Somalia has been solidifying its own domestic control, highlighted by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s historic visit to Las Anod.
The SPAS declaration mirrors a broader trend of regional states and political entities asserting autonomy. Analysts suggest that the “era of futile negotiation” mentioned in the SPAS statement could lead to a new phase of political friction within Ethiopia’s Somali region, further complicating the already fragile security landscape in the region.
A Call to “Collective Resolve”
The SPAS document concludes with a stern call for unity among Somalis to “confront and dismantle the corrupt system” in the capital. While the alliance emphasizes its commitment to the dignity of its people, the rhetoric suggests a shift away from the conciliatory tone that has characterized the region’s politics since the 2018 peace deal.
As of Tuesday evening, the Ethiopian federal government has not issued a formal response to the formation of the alliance.
