By: Our Staff Writer
Addis Ababa( Ethiopia Today) July 24,2023:-The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) draws attention to the security crisis in Gambella region saying that the situation has severe consequences on
human rights and that it needs urgent attention.
The commission said in a statement on Sunday that the deteriorating security situation following recent armed attacks by ethnic militias in different parts of the region,
particularly Itang special woreda, Gambella woreda, Gog woreda and Gambella city have
caused residents significant harm and human rights violations.
A dispute between a few people in Itang Special Woreda in May has quickly escalated into Ethnic based tension, the statement noted as the underlying cause for the current situation, adding that people were killed, injured and displaced following the attacks and that properties were also damaged. Preventing further deterioration of the situation “needs urgent attention and concerted action of authorities”, the commission
emphasized.
The commission also expressed concern over human rights implications of the indefinite curfew that the regional cabinet enacted last week to respond to the crisis and advised caution during its implementation.
In May, nine people were killed and 17 others suffered major and light injuries in Itang special district and the capital Gambella city. In a subsequent statement the regional president Umod Ujulu confirmed the killing saying that the the people were killed after a dispute between individuals residing in the Pingwa and Ler kebeles of Itang Special Woreda escalated into communal violence.
