Yesterday, Ethiopian Review has reported that a leader of one of the factions of OLF, Gen. Kemal Gelchu, has been detained. Another friend of the general called Ethiopian Review last night and said that the information that we have received is not accurate. We asked to speak with General Kemal and the friend agreed but said that he will get back to us in a few days after consulting with him. When asked whether the general’s movement has been restricted or he has been placed under house arrest, he said no, but he had no answer to the question why Kemal Gelchu has not been able to travel outside Eritrea while Daud Ibssa, a leader of an OLF faction that is favored by the Eritrean regime frequently travels abroad.

The faction of Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) that is led by Kemal Gelchu advocates equal rights and democracy for the Oromo people under a united Ethiopia, while the other faction led by Daud Ibssa strives for autonomy or session.

Stay tuned for more update on Kemal Gelchu’s condition.