Disclaimer: This is an English translation of an Amharic article taken from DW Amharic and is intended solely for information purposes.
DW Amharic - Killing of an Imam in Dera leads to outrage
Seyoum Getu
November 4, 2024
In Adiah Melke Kebele of Dera Woreda in North Shewa Zone of Oromia Region, Imam Sheikh Mehamed Mekin Hajiarefu, leader of the Genda Arebu Mosque, was killed by militants weeks after being abducted by militants which has sparked outrage among locals. Local residents say abductions and related abuses in the area have made life difficult.
Killing of Imam in Dera sparks outrage
In Adiah Melke Kebele of Dera Woreda in North Shewa Zone of Oromia Region, Imam Sheikh Mehamed Mekin Hajiarefu, leader of the Genda Arebu Mosque, was killed by militants weeks after being abducted by militants, sparking outrage among locals. A local resident who has followed the matter closely told Deutsche Welle unabated abductions and related abuses in the area have made life difficult for residents.
A source residing in Gundomeskel town of Dera Woreda explained that the shocking killing of the mosque Imam in Dera Woreda of North Shewa Zone, Oromia Region came weeks after his abduction. The mosque Imam had resided in an area called Arebu located in Teref town of the woreda, and after the religious leader was abducted along with many of his family members, the militants which abducted him informed his family members of his death days ago, towards the end of last week.
“It has been over three weeks since he was taken away and killed by the Oromo Liberation Army. He was abducted from the mosque with over 14 other people in the area. His mother and wife were among those abducted with him. They released his wife immediately without any payment. However they demanded 1.5 million birr for the release of him and his mother. Of the requested money, over 1.2 million was collected and paid after which they released his mother. Other people abducted with him were released after payments ranging between 100,000 to 300,000 birr. However his clothing was sent to signify that he had been killed as family members were gathering money to secure his release. On Saturday morning family members came to this town to mourn.”
Public outcry following the killing of the Imam
According to the eyewitness testimony it is unclear the extent of suffering the Sheikh, the mosque Imam, endured between the time of his abduction and his death. His family members had scrambled to collect the funds demanded by his captors in hopes they could save his life. They explained that a large number of people have been abducted in rural kebeles surrounding Gundomeskel town of the woreda and these abductions have taken place on numerous occasions. They added the Shiekh’s killing has shocked the community and led to outrage. “Since the Shiekh’s abduction a large number of people have left their homes and been displaced to the main town. Even now the community is asking for heightened security and is calling on the government to help organize the people. However the Imam’s killing has triggered intense outcry in the town and surrounding area. Firstly because he was a religious leader and secondly because such a large sum of money was paid but he was still killed, this has been a new issue for us.”
The killing has went viral on social media and been shared among many people who expressed their sadness. Enat Party has condemned the abduction and killing of the Imam and 12 close people. Enat Party described a number of “identity based massacres” in the area and has said the crimes have “not be addressed on the media.”
The matter of the widespread security problem in Dera Woreda
Dera Woreda which is situated under a precarious administrative border and geographic location between Oromia and Amhara Regions, has faced a trying security situation over the past two years. There are two armed forces which have operated throughout the woreda, say residents. “There are two forces operating in various parts of this woreda. One is the Oromo Liberation Army but since last year another force known as Fano has operated in some kebeles. The fist guerilla group has focused on abductions whereas the other steals when it gains the opportunity. The woreda has faced challenges from both forces and has not received rest and at various times it has been difficult to go outside.”
Recently the woreda’s administrator Ato Kefyalew Adirae spoke to Deutsche Welle and did not hide that residents have expressed having to endure the security situation, “when there is no peace, nothing can be done. We are working to change this. The current security situation can only be changed by asking and all persons should support the government structure and ensure peace only by doing their part. Even if there are differences the people must work to create peace.”
Demand for fair administration
Residents also raise the outstanding issue of fair administration in the area: “we have repeatedly raised our issue to the Oromia Regional Government administration. We have raised our problems on media platforms on many occasions. Officials in the area have responded to us speaking directly about our problems by throwing us in prison. We do not know why they have refused to resolve our call for fair administration in the region.” He continued “recently intense fighting has taken place involving heavy weapons which has made it difficult to go out. Especially over the past five days people have not left the town. The government knows this too, it is difficult.”
The continued conflict in Oromia has led to further severe killings last week in Dugida Woreda of East Shewa Zone and Wuchale Woreda of North Shewa Zone which has lead to intense fears, particularly in North Shewa.
The armed group which the government refers to as Shene but calls itself the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) has claimed responsibility for what transpired in Wuchale Woreda.
Seyoum Getu
Azeb Tadesse
Negash Mehamed
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