Among the dead are two humanitarian workers from the NGO Catholic Relief Services
13 Apr. (EUROPE PRESS) –
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHCR) has called for an investigation into the death of civilians and the murder of two humanitarian workers in the context of protests in recent days in the Amhara region (north) over the plan of the Government to dissolve the regional special forces.
The body has indicated in a statement published on its website that it is “analyzing” the “protests, security violations and clashes” in Amhara as a result of the decision to dissolve these forces, which participated on the side of the Army in the war against the Popular Front for the Liberation of Tigray (TPLF).
Thus, he pointed out that within the framework of the protests there have been clashes, road closures and interruptions to basic services, with some incidents “causing deaths and injuries among civilians, including humanitarian workers, due to the actions of the forces security and attacks by unidentified individuals”.
The two aid workers killed were members of the non-governmental organization Catholic Relief Services (CRS), which reported that both were shot from a vehicle in the Amhara region. At the moment it is unknown who was behind the attack.
“If the problem and the security situation are not resolved immediately, there is a threat of serious violations of Human Rights, so all parties must resolve the matter through consultations, especially taking into account the threat of insecurity due to the political situation,” he stressed.
Authorities in several Amhara cities have imposed curfews and movement restrictions, while Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stressed on Sunday that the decision to disband and reinstate regional special forces “will be implemented in line with the plans”.
Thus, Abiy stressed that the decision will be carried out “even if there is a price to pay”, after the Ethiopian General Staff assured that his proposal did not imply the disarmament or dissolution of these operatives. In this regard, he promised “appropriate measures” against those who hinder the dissolution of the regional special forces.
The proposal has been raised in line with the cessation of hostilities agreement signed with the TPLF in November 2022 in South Africa and within the framework of the implementation of steps for peace, including the creation of an interim administration in Tigray headed by the spokesman for the Tigrinya group, Getachew Reda. In addition, Abiy has opened the door to talks with the rebel Oromo Liberation Army (OLA).
The OLA, which split from the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) after the 2018 peace agreement and is an ally of the TPLF in the war in Tigray, has claimed responsibility for several attacks –especially in Oromia– in recent months. . The OLF fought for decades for the secession of the Oromia region, but in 2018 it announced that it was giving up the armed struggle, accepting the prime minister’s offer of amnesty.
