Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Addis Standard2
Published on 2024-03-19 09:04:13
Tension is running high in Gambela City, the capital of the Gambella region, after a shooting incident that left a traffic police officer in critical condition. The attack, carried out by armed men, has resulted in the closure of transportation, banks, and other essential services in the city.
The incident took place on Monday around 10:20 am in front of the Grand Hotel Gambella, where the traffic police officer, Chuol Gatkuoth, was on duty. The officer was shot in the neck and is currently in critical condition, awaiting surgery. The residents of Gambela City are on edge, with rumors circulating about the officer’s death and speculation that the attack was carried out by “Anyuak militants.”
In response to the incident, basic services such as transportation, banking, and schools have been temporarily shut down in the city. The Gambella region has seen a spike in communal violence since May of the previous year, with incidents of violence breaking out in Itang special woreda and Gambela City, resulting in casualties and injuries.
In July 2023, three individuals were killed and 23 others were injured in an armed assault targeting public buses near Gambela City. More recently, in February 2024, armed militias launched attacks across Gambella, resulting in the deaths of two people and several injuries. According to a report by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), at least 138 individuals have been killed and 113 injured in clashes between communities and attacks on refugees in the Gambella region since May 2023.
The situation in Gambela City remains tense as residents grapple with the aftermath of the recent violent incident. The closure of essential services has further heightened anxiety among the population, with concerns about the safety and security of the city lingering in the air.
Despite the challenges faced by the residents of Gambela City, there is a sense of resilience and solidarity among the community members as they navigate through these turbulent times. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for peace, stability, and unity in the region to prevent further tragedies and promote a peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic groups in Gambela.
As the city grapples with the aftermath of the shooting incident, it is essential for authorities to address the underlying causes of the violence and work towards fostering peace and reconciliation among the diverse population of Gambela. Only through collective efforts and dialogue can the region move towards a more stable and harmonious future for all its residents.
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