Ethiopia: 5 opposition groups in exile say they have formed alliance seeking change back home

KAMPALA, Uganda – Five Ethiopian opposition groups in exile say they have formed an alliance to bring a change of government back home.

The new alliance is called the People's Alliance for Freedom and Democracy, according to a joint statement issued Friday in Oslo, Norway.

The group was formed by the Benishangul People's Liberation Movement, the Gambella People's Liberation Movement, the Ogaden National Liberation Front, the Oromo Liberation Front and the Sidama National Liberation Front.

The statement said the alliance "will create an opportunity for all peoples in Ethiopia to co-create a transitional political order that is based on the consent of all peoples." It said the group will work to change the "current undemocratic political culture and oppressive system in Ethiopia."

Ethiopia's ruling party won every seat in parliament in May elections.