Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Addis Standard2
Published on 2024-04-15 08:20:14
The Gambella Police Commission recently made headlines with the arrest of 14 officials and one civilian for their alleged involvement in security breaches in the Jor and Itang special districts of the Gambella region. This comes after incidents on April 4th that resulted in casualties and property damage in Jor district.
Regional Police Commissioner Umod Umod released a statement detailing the arrests, which included two senior zone administrators and five district officials who are accused of contributing to the security issues in Jor district. Additionally, seven officials from Itang district were arrested for hindering the apprehension of wanted suspects, with ongoing investigations into their actions.
Furthermore, Commissioner Umod mentioned the arrest of an individual who was attempting to incite clashes between ethnic groups in Gambella city. This crackdown on officials and civilians involved in security breaches follows the removal of three heads of regional bureaus and one zonal administration leader by the Gambella regional government due to their failure to fulfill their duties amidst increasing security challenges.
The regional government cited a series of security incidents as the reason for these dismissals, stating their commitment to taking decisive action against individuals seeking power through coercive means. The region has experienced violence and instability from armed attacks, such as the recent assault on a bus traveling from Gambella city to Lare district, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries.
Previous incidents in May 2023 and July 2023 also highlighted the precarious security situation in the region, with fatalities and injuries from armed attacks in Itang special district and Gambella City. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) reported that conflicts between communities and attacks on refugees have led to 138 fatalities and 113 injuries since May 2023.
These events underscore the ongoing security challenges facing the Gambella region and the efforts being made to address them. The arrests of officials and civilians involved in security breaches demonstrate a commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the area.
As the region continues to grapple with security threats, it is crucial for authorities to take decisive action to prevent further violence and protect the residents of Gambella. The recent arrests and dismissals signal a step towards addressing the root causes of insecurity in the region and working towards a more peaceful and stable environment for all.
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