Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Addis Standard2
Published on 2024-02-15 09:32:57
The Ethiopian government has recently been surrounded by controversy as reports of extrajudicial killings by state security forces in the town of Merawi, located in the Amhara region, have emerged. The Minister of State for Communication Services, Legesse Tulu, has denied these reports and confirmed that there was a clash between the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) and the non-state militia, Fano, in the town. However, he insists that the defense forces did not target any civilians. In an interview with Deutsche Welle, he explained that the military acted in self-defense after insurgents attacked the army camp from four directions in an attempt to loot equipment and supplies. Legesse further stated that the military exercised their right of self-defense and responded with necessary action when they were fired upon multiple times.
The preliminary report released earlier this week by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) confirmed that at least 45 civilians were recently killed in extrajudicial executions across parts of the Amhara region’s East Gojjam Zone. The report also stated that civilians were targeted based on suspicion of supporting the armed Fano group. According to EHRC, the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed and further investigation is pending. In response to these allegations, the minister stated that there is no verified information regarding such actions being taken. He added that not only would civilians never be targeted, but even surrendering combatants would not be killed, as there are no systems in place allowing that. Legesse also mentioned that if the reports were true, the government itself would take action to address the situation.
The corroborated reports of the extrajudicial killings have attracted criticism internationally. The US government has called for unfettered access by independent human rights monitors as well as an impartial investigation to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. Similarly, the European Union (EU) expressed serious concern about the alleged targeted killings of civilians in the town of Merawi and called for an independent investigation into the matter. The British Embassy in Addis Abeba and the Canadian Embassy in Ethiopia have also expressed concern and condemned the killing of civilians.
Legesse stated that the State of Emergency Implementation Inquiry Board in the Amhara region is currently handling the matter. He dismissed the notion that there would be no investigation by any other party and emphasized that if any party commits an offense or causes damage, legal and procedural action will be taken. Despite international concerns, Legesse remains confident in the ability of Ethiopia’s own institutions to address the situation. However, the calls for an independent investigation and the demand for justice continue to grow.
This incident has highlighted the complexities of the political and security situation in Ethiopia and has prompted international scrutiny of the actions taken by government security forces. As pressure mounts for a transparent investigation and accountability, it remains to be seen how the Ethiopian government will address this crisis and respond to the demands for justice.
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