Ethnic attacks leave several dead outside Ethiopia’s capital
Overnight ethnic-based attacks in the outskirts of Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, resulted in the deaths of several people and caused hundreds to flee their homes. “Several lives were lost and properties damaged due to this attack,” head
Overnight ethnic-based attacks in the outskirts of Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, resulted in the deaths of several people and caused hundreds to flee their homes.
“Several lives were lost and properties damaged due to this attack,” head of the Oromia police commission, Alemayehu Ejigu, told the state broadcaster ETV on Sunday. He said 70 suspects have been arrested.
“The perpetrators are criminals organised in groups to kill people and cause damages to the properties of targeted citizens,” he said. “This is a shameful act.”
The killings were denounced by Ethiopia’s new, reformist leader.
“Prime minister Abiy Ahmed strongly condemns the killings and acts of violence against innocent citizens … These cowardly attacks represent a grave concern to the unity and solidarity of our people & will be met with appropriate response,” said Fitsum Arega, the prime minister’s chief of staff, in a tweet.
Police said the attacks started late on Saturday afternoon in the Burayu and Ashewa Meda areas just outside of the capital.
They did not say what prompted the violence.
Scores of Addis Ababa residents demonstrated in front of the premises of the state broadcaster, calling for the perpetrators, whom they suggested were youths from the surrounding Oromia region, to be brought to justice.
Some areas in the north and northwestern parts of Addis Ababa remained tense on Sunday.
City officials visited the displaced on Sunday morning pledging support but Ethiopians are expressing anger on social media and urging the prime minister to take serious measures to stop ethnic-based attacks.
Such attacks, linked to land and resources, are not new in this East African nation of more than 80 ethnic groups. However, the severity of such attacks has grown in recent months.
The UN Children’s Fund Unicef said in August that as many as 2.8 million Ethiopians were internally displaced, mainly due to ethnic-based attacks in various parts of the country.
Frustrated by the wave of conflict, Ethiopia’s leader warned in recent weeks that those instigating violence should stop or his government would be forced to take measures.
“We are only humans, so we won’t sit and watch them from now on,” he said.
On Sunday, Eritrean president Isaias Afwerki and Mr Ahmed met Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to sign a peace deal to end a 20-year conflict between the two countries. – PA
Sol September 17, 2018
This must be a lesson to the new Ethiopian PM Abyi to work hard to unite his people instead of conspiracing with illegitimate dictator of Eritrea.
Michael Tesfamariam September 17, 2018
This is exactly what we predicted to happen since the very beginning as the new but totally incapable and incompetent PM grabbed power in Ethiopia. PM Abey has no intention to unify the country or build inclusive democratic institutions that allows fair representation of all factions in the country. It was sad day for Ethiopia and the region this Arab puppet, dictator-loving, pro-Derg, anti Christian vindictive was appointed as leader of one of the most populous and culturally diverse countries in Africa. This is just the beginning of the well predicted and anticipated long- run sectarian tensions and bloodshed awaiting Ethiopia under this jerk PM. He is totally fond of anti Ethiopia Arabs and pfdj thugs. All he has done since he was handed over a premiership in Ethiopia are 1. alienating and marginalising the people of Tigray as a revenge, and perhaps to appease his Neo-derg Amhara and Oromo ehinic groups 2. He insulted Eritreans and rubbed salt on their aleady oozing wounds in order to impress Isais and his regime 3. he bowed to his Arab masters who are killing Eritreans and Yemenis civilians, and thwaring the progress of power generating dam construction projects in Ethiopia, that was started under the brave late PM Meles 5. he is now devoting his full resources and power to get Issais out of the isolated dark island, and remove any traces of sanctions, improve his image at regional and international stages. This is the man who was hailed as hero and man of peace by both pfdj and the lazy “opposition” alike .Well done Eritrean “anti Hammasien opposition parites” , finally you got the right partner to work with.
Hagherawi September 17, 2018
“Well done Eritrean “anti Hammasien opposition parites” , finally you got the right partner to work with.”
Michael Tesfamariam
It seems you are here for a mission.
Sol September 17, 2018
Dear Hagerawi, this MT is Mr many names Tekhlay, he is one of the many hyber viruses launched by the monkey of DIA to create confusion among justice seekers and to promote the divide and rule policy of the mafia regime.
Awet September 19, 2018
Please please avoid any foul mouth and personal attacks!!!! Let’s fight for our country!! Honestly, our own sovereignty is AT GREAT RISK!!! This young and weak prime minister is more interested to grab our ASSAB and MASSAWA !!!!! And finally, to wipe out our sovereignty and rights by conspiring with the Eritrean butcher!!!! Isayas Afe-cherki. Folks! Forget about this weak and selfish prime minister and fight for survival!. Both leaders are racing like rats to sign back room deals behind our backs!! If we do not act together to fight for own sovereignty and rights, it will be too late. Two days ago, they signed deals infront of the filthy rich Saudis, but no body KNEW WHAT THEY SIGNED IN OUR NAMES !!! It was all dark secret! ISAYAS even took his own son for a job training!! Like father like son!! The rest is history. It is time to wake up from our deep sleep and save our country before it is TOO LATE!