“Breaking news,” reads a Facebook post published on April 23, 2025, in Afaan Oromoo. “OMN reported that Taye Dandea has joined the rebels in the jungle.”
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Screenshot of the false post, taken on April 28, 2025
A screenshot with a picture of Taye Dandea, the former peace minister, adds that he has now joined the OLA and has “sent a message from the jungle”. In the picture, Taye is wearing braids, a popular style with OLA fighters.
The other half of the screenshot shows a picture of a news presenter from Oromia Media Network (OMN), an independent television station broadcasting from Minnesota in the United States.
A link in the post leads to a YouTube video of a telephonic interview with Taye, who says Oromia is experiencing a “war situation”.
“People cannot move freely, and all rights have been suspended. Brothers who were struggling for justice are now killing each other,” Taye says.
He also criticises the government for excluding his ministry from peace talks held with the OLA in Tanzania in November 2023.
Taye is not seen on camera during the interview but an image of him holding a microphone has been used in place.
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Screenshot of Taye speaking used in the false video, taken on April 28, 2025
There is a clear jump in the video at the 2’13” mark, at which point a different OMN programme host appears on the screen and proceeds to talk about Taye’s political career.
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