Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Addis Standard2
Published on 2024-04-04 08:56:29
Human Rights Watch is urging the United Nations and the African Union to consider suspending the deployment of Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) troops in international peacekeeping operations. This call comes in response to allegations of ENDF commanders’ involvement in the summary execution of civilians in Merawi town, located in the Amhara region.
On January 29, 2024, Human Rights Watch reported that Ethiopian military forces were accused of committing war crimes in Merawi. The organization conducted interviews with 20 individuals, including victims and eyewitnesses, and analyzed videos and satellite imagery to substantiate reports of soldiers carrying out executions of civilians on the streets and during household searches over a six-hour period.
The incident in Merawi is described as one of the deadliest involving civilians during recent clashes between federal forces and the non-state militia, Fano. Although the exact death toll is not confirmed, Human Rights Watch compiled a list of 40 victims, while residents estimated the casualties to exceed 80, with some victims buried in mass graves.
The organization also accused soldiers of looting and setting vehicles on fire in the aftermath of the incident. Reports from Addis Standard indicated that at least 50 individuals were killed by government forces, described by residents as executions, including children and women of various ages.
In response to these allegations, the Ethiopian government denied accusations of extrajudicial killings in Merawi, claiming that the military acted in self-defense during a confrontation with the Fano militia. However, Human Rights Watch maintained that the evidence suggested disproportionate killings of civilians.
The European Union, United States, and United Kingdom have condemned these killings and called for an independent investigation. Human Rights Watch urged the UN Human Rights Council to focus on oversight in Ethiopia and called for a prompt investigation into the Merawi incident and other conflict zones. The organization recommended the potential suspension of Ethiopian personnel from UN and AU peacekeeping missions until accountability measures are put in place.
In conclusion, the situation in Merawi has raised serious concerns about the actions of the Ethiopian military and the need for accountability for human rights violations. The call for a thorough investigation and potential suspension of Ethiopian personnel from peacekeeping missions highlights the gravity of the situation and the necessity for appropriate action to address these allegations.
Read the original article on Addis Standard
