The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission stated that 138 people, including refugees, have been killed in clashes in various districts since last year in the Gambella region.
The commission said in its investigation that it will conduct from September 20 to September 30, 2024, the clashes took place in Itang Special District, Gambella and Gug Districts as well as Gambella, the capital of the region. The commission stated that it contacted 93 people for the investigation; He also informed that 113 people suffered minor and serious injuries.
In May 2024, the conflict that broke out between the residents of Pinewa and Ler Kebele due to a man who went out to collect wood and went missing gradually turned into a social conflict, and at least 82 people were killed in Itang Special District.
The commission mentioned the dates and details of the attacks as the conflict continued until January 2016; The investigation report included eyewitness testimony. “At Akura Kebele of Itang Special District, Pino Sub-Kebele on July 13, 2024. At around 5:00 p.m., a large number of armed [people] armed with heavy weapons such as Brens came and shot and killed many people and wounded many people. About five people tried to escape the attack and ended up in the Barrow River. Among the victims are children and women.” He said.
Refugees in the region were also attacked. At least 27 refugees were killed in attacks by militants and individuals in shelters and outside shelters. Gambella region hosts more than 380,000 refugees from South Sudan in six shelters.
The commission stated that at a refugee camp in Gog district, Puneido One, “armed groups dressed in the uniforms of the former Gambella region’s special forces attacked seven women refugees who went to pick wood, six of them escaped and stabbed one of them to death, according to the deceased’s family and other witnesses.” In his 15-page investigative report, Ismeko said he was able to find out that residents were displaced, many houses and properties were burnt and looted in the region.
He examined the government’s response to the conflicts and pointed out that the conflicts were in the hands of the government bodies. For example, in Itang Special District, three government leaders who were allegedly involved in the conflict were arrested. The zone has informed me that the leaders who are suspected to be involved in the issue in the Anew ethnic zone have been removed from their positions and will be investigated.
The commission has recommended to the government to conduct a proper criminal investigation against “administrative bodies, members of the regional government’s security forces, armed groups and individuals” directly involved in the conflict.
The region has also called for the establishment of a competent security structure that is “neutral” by examining the security structure. It will be ensured that those who were injured in the conflict get appropriate compensation. He advised that efforts should be made to create a sustainable solution to the conflicts between the refugees and the community.
