Disclaimer: This is an English translation of an Amharic article taken from DW Amharic and is intended solely for information purposes.
DW Amharic - Worsening killings of civilians in South West Shewa Zone
August 23, 2024
Civilians are bearing the brunt of gunfire exchanges between the Oromo Liberation Army and the government’s armed forces in various woredas of South West Shewa Zone of Oromia Region according to residents. According to residents since Nehase at least 17 civilians have been killed in Qersa Malima, Seden Sodo, Tole and Ameya.
It has been said that civilians are bearing the brunt of gunfire exchanges and conflict between the Oromo Liberation Army and the government’s armed forces in various woredas of South West Shewa Zone of Oromia Region. Residents and family members who spoke to us from the area say at least 17 civilians have been killed since Nehase in the Qersa Malima, Seden Sodo, Tole and Ameya Woredas.
In various woredas of this zone the armed group which the government identifies as Shene and which refers to itself as the Oromo Liberation Army has engaged the government’s army in conflict and unrest which has escalated to alarming levels across various areas in the region. Conflict between the armed group and the government has lasted years and has exposed locals to suffering never seen before in history, according to residents who spoke to DW. “Over one two or three months ago there was some stability in the zone. But since last month conflict has broken out again and people are dying. And innocent civilians with no involvement in the fighting are most targeted.” The abductions and looting have occurred repeatedly and become severe, homes of farmers are burned down, cattle are looted, and abductions have created instability which has prevented the local community from doing their work. Especially over the last two years conflict has worsened preventing locals from farming and exposing them to hardship. The source said “Recently, due to the prevailing fear, agricultural production has stopped. On top of this, since both the rebel forces opposing the government and the government's security forces are dependent on the communities resources for food consumption, there is nothing left for people to eat, leaving them with no safe haven,” said one of the residents providing his opinion.
The community expresses concern that the forces operating under the name of rebels are engaging in looting, brutal assaults, killings, and various other atrocities. However, the rebel group's leaders claim that such acts, which are far outside the community's values, are not being carried out by members of their forces. They call for such actions to be investigated by an independent body.
Woredas where killings have been severe
Sources said it seems the security problem has disturbed all woredas in the zone and they explain the problem has been particularly severe in the Seden Sodo, Sodo Dachi, Qersa and Tole Woredas. It has been said worsening security concerns has hindered transportation services across various woredas and prevented the locals from going to market. On August 17, 2024 (Nehase 11, 2016 EC) at midnight an 80 years old elderly man named Tuku Lemessa and his two brothers were shot and killed in a heinous manner in Qersa Malima. Their child who had been overcome with grief was killed days later in a horrific way. “As is seen even on social media the 80 year old elderly man was killed alongside three other people. This has not only happened in Qersa Malima, people have also been killed in Seden Sodo.” In three woredas of the zone alone including Qersa Malima, Seden Sodo and Tole Woredas between August 9 to 17 (Nehase 3 to 11) alone names of 17 victims killed by militants were disseminated on social media platforms.
Areas in the zone where the security situation has deteriorated
It has been said in addition to these woredas, Nono Woreda in West Shewa Zone which borders Ameya Woreda of this zone has been another area where security problems have been troubling. Another resident from this area who spoke to us on condition of anonymity out of concern for their security said, “In this area people lose their lives on a regular basis. It is not one or two, they are killed in succession. Certainly the government’s army announces that it operates in the area in an attempt to preserve security. However one can ascertain they cannot reach every area. Just recently three shepherds were killed by horrific means. It was also not long since 12 people were all killed together. In this area initially it seemed like ethnic conflict but now those calling themselves Shene and extremists are widely hurting the local community.”
Residents say locals suffer as they accuse eachother of supporting one group or another. He said, “armed forces say we are government supporters, the government on its end accuses us of supporting the rebel force, and the community both in rural areas and urban areas live a life of suffering.” Efforts to contact the zone’s government communications office by phone regarding the security situation in the zone were not successful for today. However just recently the Oromia Region communications bureau head Ato Hailu Adugna told DW the regional government has been pursuing lasting peace but those who were previously armed by the government which are fighting the government will suffer continued forceful measures. In attacks in various areas it can be recalled they said, “since the government is unable to deploy security forces in all areas the people must work alongside security forces.”
Seyoum Getu
Yohannes Gebreegziabher
Tsehaye Chanie
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