The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) in Ethiopia has issued a warning to both domestic and international companies involved in Oromia’s extractive industries, calling for direct local community involvement in mining projects.
The group pointed to the fatalities at the Tulu Kapi gold project as an example of what could transpire if companies fail to meet its stated conditions, reported the Addis Standard.
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In an urgent notice to businesses operating in the region, the OLA said operations must only proceed after “thorough and transparent deliberations” with local communities to develop mechanisms for their participation and benefit.
The statement said companies are required to implement verifiable environmental standards across all activities, declaring compliance “non-negotiable”.
The group warned that those failing to meet these requirements would “bear the full consequences”, specifically referencing “the fate of Tulu Kapi in western Oromia” as a case in point.
A security incident on 4 September at the Tulu Kapi gold project result...