Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Addis Standard
Published on 2024-02-24 11:09:23
The command post overseeing the state of emergency in the Amhara region has taken drastic measures following a horrific incident where militiamen brutally killed 8 civilians in Shewa Robit. As a result, an indefinite ban on all kinds of movement has been imposed on the main asphalt road between Debre Berhan and Dessie cities.
According to a credible source, the victims were en route to Kemise from Addis Abeba when they were intercepted by the non-state local militia called Fano in Shewa Robit, North Shewa zone of the Amhara region. Among the 8 killed, five were men and teachers, while the remaining three were women domestic workers returning from the Middle East. All victims were native Oromos and were identified by their ID cards before being taken away and killed by the armed group.
In response to the tragic event, the Central Shewa command post issued a statement strongly condemning the killings and expressing deep sadness over the brutality inflicted on innocent travelers and residents. The command post vowed to take action against the perpetrators in collaboration with the regional government, local security agencies, and the Federal Police.
As a result of the incident, the command post has indefinitely banned all movement on the main asphalt road between Debre Berhan and Dessie to prevent further harm to civilians during a military operation aimed at cracking down on the armed group responsible for the killings.
This is not the first time such violence has occurred in the region. In November of last year, a day-long fighting between the Fano militia and armed residents resulted in the death of 18 people and the injury of over 30 others. The Amhara region has been plagued by frequent outbreaks of extreme violence, with clashes between local armed forces and civilians leading to numerous casualties and property damages.
The region is currently under a federally declared state of emergency, which was first imposed in August and recently extended by four months. The situation remains volatile, with the government and security forces working to restore peace and stability in the region.
It is imperative for all stakeholders to work together to address the root causes of violence in the region and prevent further loss of life. The safety and security of civilians must be prioritized, and justice must be served for the victims of such senseless acts of violence. Only through collective efforts and a commitment to peace and reconciliation can the region move towards a more stable and prosperous future.
Read the original article on Addis Standard
