• Seven armed groups in Ethiopia have formed a coalition named the Alliance for Survival.
• The alliance aims to establish an inclusive transitional government amid fears of escalating conflict.
• The groups accuse Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government of "war, genocide, and mass destruction."
• Fighting has persisted in multiple regions, especially Oromia and Amhara, raising concerns of disintegration.
• The government has not officially commented on the newly formed alliance.

Seven Ethiopian armed groups have announced their formation of an alliance called the "Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival," with the aim of overthrowing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government. The groups include the Fano militia from Amhara, the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), alongside four smaller factions. They intend to collaborate on setting up a transitional government, reflecting growing fears of an escalating civil conflict in Ethiopia, according to Al Jazeera and BBC.

The alliance's announcement comes as the involved groups accuse the current administration of "dictatorial rule," asserting that Ethiopia is facing "war, genocide, mass destruction, and utter poverty." The federal government has not publicly reacted to the formation of this coalition, which incorporates groups from various regions of Ethiopia including Ogaden, Afar, and Benishangul-Gumuz, highlighting the significant threat to national unity, according to Africanews and BBC.

This coalition emerges from prolonged tensions in Ethiopia, particularly in Oromia and Amhara, regions plagued by conflict since Abiy Ahmed took office in 2018. Each faction maintains its own ideologies, and past conflicts raise doubts about their unity moving forward. The groups have been in discussions for over a year, asserting a collective goal to facilitate a transitional government critically needed to address the ongoing violence in the country. TPLF vice president Amanuel Assefa asserted confidence in their goals, stating, "We think we will be successful," according to Al Jazeera and Africanews.

Despite hopes for a united front, experts express skepticism regarding the alliance's ability to effectively challenge the government. Kjetil Tronvoll, a regional specialist, remarked that the rebels may be facing a "sacrificial war," given the government's substantial military capabilities. The potential for internal discord remains high, as historical rivalries and territorial disputes could undermine their combined efforts, according to Africanews and BBC.