Abel Tesfaye
In recent times, ethnic Amharas in Ethiopia have faced distressing episodes of kidnapping and violence, brought about by the regime of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. This article maps the disturbing surge of such inhumane incidents, spotlighting a few chilling episodes to shed light on the extent of the crises. Looking at instances like the abduction of 17 Amhara students at Denbidolo University, the kidnapping of 9 Dembi Dolo Amhara students in West Wolga, and brazen hostage incidents involving gunmen and public buses, we explore the terrifying reality many Amharas face in Ethiopia today. Supported by shocking figures from the 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.
Overview of Kidnappings and Killings of Ethnic Amharas
Historical Context
Ethnic Federalism in Ethiopia
The root of the current tragedies can be traced back to the establishment of ethnic federalism in Ethiopia. Introduced in the 1990s, the system aimed at addressing historical injustices and providing autonomy for diverse ethnic groups in Ethiopia. However, the system’s divisive nature, which essentially segregates Ethiopians based on ethnicity, has led to tension and conflicts among these groups, especially in areas where demographics are mixed.
The impact of this system on the Amharas, one of the country’s largest ethnic groups, has been devastating. The Amharas, despite being a significant part of Ethiopia, have become minoritized in many regions due to the ethnic-based administrative subdivisions. In regions where they are minorities, Amharas often face systematic discrimination, marginalization, and violent attacks.
Impact of Political Changes
The rise to power of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali in 2018 brought about major political changes. His policy of opening up the political space led to the resurgence of ethno-nationalist movements. Among these movements is the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), considered a terrorist organization by the Ethiopian government.
Current Situation under Abiy’s Regime
Role of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA)
The OLA’s return to Ethiopia, coupled with Prime Minister Abiy’s lax measures against the group, has further exacerbated the situation. The OLA reportedly has a base in Ethiopia, where they recruit, train, and launch attacks against ethnic Amharas and other non-Oromos. Customarily moving in small groups, they target rural Amhara communities, pulverizing villages and abducting or killing residents.
This armed group reportedly committed 1,688 killings and 62 abductions of Amharas in 2021 alone, highlighting the worsening conditions under Abiy’s regime.
Government and Regional Policies
The Oromia Regional Government’s role, led by the Oromo Prosperity Party (OPP), and their security forces’ involvement in these tragedies cannot be understated. According to the Amhara Association of America (AAA), the Oromia Special Forces (OSF) were directly responsible for killing at least 37 Amharas in 2021.
Moreover, Shimelis Abdisa, the Oromia Region’s President, has been silent about the recurrent massacres of Amharas in the region. His lack of acknowledgement, let alone action, against these atrocities indicates a worrying complacency, if not an indirect endorsement of such brutal acts, giving them a semblance of an official regional policy.
Notable Cases of Kidnappings and Killings
Birtukan Temesgen’s Story
Background and Early Life
Birtukan Temesgen, an Amhara resident, grew up in a challenging situation in Senan of Gogam due to her mother’s untimely death and her father’s migration. Despite facing adversity since her childhood, her life took a more dreadful turn when she became one of countless Amhara victims of kidnapping and subsequent brutalities.
Circumstances of Her Abduction
Birtukan’s ordeal embodies the harrowing reality ethnic Amharas in Ethiopia have been enduring. While specific details surrounding her abduction remain obscure due to the prevailing climate of terror and suppression, her story mirrors the experiences of numerous other Amhara individuals who were unjustly targeted and whose lives were irrevocably altered.
Mass Kidnappings of Students and Passengers
Denbidolo University Students
On a haunting day in November 2012, as per the Ethio-calendar, armed individuals abducted 17 Amhara students from Denbidolo University. Forgotten amidst the cacophony of violence, these students have yet to be reunited with their distressed families. Despite repeated pleas from the families seeking to hear the voices of their children, their cries have largely fallen on deaf ears.
Dembi Dolo Amhara Students
The year 2015 brought more despair for the Amhara community when nine students from Dembi Dolo University were kidnapped in West Wolga. They were on their way to Addis Ababa, but their journey ended in the clutches of their captors. Reports of other unidentified students being kidnapped have also surfaced, signaling the widespread scale of the crisis beyond what’s immediately visible.
Debarak University Students
In 2016, a group of about 100 students from Debarak University fell victim to another mass abduction. They were travelling by bus from the Amhara region to Addis Abeba in the Gerbe Guracha district of the North Shewa Zone in the Oromia region when the gruesome incident unfolded. The BBC reported that the gunmen made an indiscriminate selection, sparing none.
Public Bus Passengers in Oromia
In a shocking incident in 2017, gunmen kidnapped all 60 passengers aboard a public bus in the Were Jarso area of the North Shewa Zone of the Oromia Region, consolidating the pattern of mass kidnappings. The perpetrators demanded an exorbitant ransom of 1.5 million ETB per individual, highlighting the grim commercial aspect of these heinous crimes.
These alarming instances of kidnap and violence represent only a fraction of the atrocities perpetrated against the ethnic Amharas. The cruelty extends far beyond these events underlying the urgent need for international condemnation and intervention.
International and Local Responses
The grisly incidents of kidnappings and killings of ethnic Amharas in Ethiopia have drawn a slew of reactions from international bodies and local entities. These responses, which range from Human Rights reports to government reactions and public outcry, have varied in impact and effectiveness.
Human Rights Reports
Ethiopia Country Reports
In the year 2023, the “Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Ethiopia” outlined the devastating situational landscape in Ethiopia, noting a marked increase in violent incidents targeted against the Amharas since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali took power. The reports documented at least 1,688 killings and 62 abductions in 2021 alone, conducted by the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). In parallel, the Oromia Special Forces (OSF) were held accountable for at least 37 Amhara deaths, showing support for the OLA forces in some instances. This data, whilst disheartening, crucially shines a spotlight on the severity of the crisis.
Reactions from Human Rights Organizations
Various Human Rights Organizations have taken cognizance of these alarming statistics and reports. They have vehemently condemned these atrocities and, in many instances, called upon the international community to further probe into these cases of orchestrated violence. Their collective voices serve as a potent reminder that the plight of the Amharas, and indeed, the stability of Ethiopia hangs in the balance.
Government Reactions and Public Outcry
Statements from Ethiopian Government
However, amidst this international uproar, the Ethiopian government’s position has been, at best, opaque. Despite the mounting evidence and reports, Oromia Regional President Shimelis Abdisa has not acknowledged the recurrent massacres of Amharas in the region he leads. The seeming endorsement of such atrocities from governmental figures has overlooked these systemic massacres, signalling that the ethnic cleansing of Amharas seems to be a regional policy.
Public and Diaspora Response
On the other hand, the resounding response from the public and Ethiopian diaspora has generated a wave of concern and action. Many have used various platforms to express their distress, mourning the loss of their comrades while demanding justice for the victims. Protests, online campaigns, and remembrance vigils have become a common sight, signifying a united front against such blatant ethnocentrism.
Implications and Future Prospects
The continuous kidnappings and killings of ethnic Amharas carry grim implications for Ethiopia’s social fabric and future prospects. These tragedies contribute to the growing ethnic tensions and affect the entirety of the Ethiopian society beyond the Amhara community.
Impact on Ethnic Relations
Long-term Effects on Amhara Community
The long-term effects of these atrocities on the Amhara community are devastating. The frequent kidnappings and massacres have not only orphaned many children and left countless families mourning their loved ones, but they have also heightened the community’s sense of insecurity and vulnerability. This has, in turn, fueled feelings of despair, anger, and resentment among the Amharas, leading to a further strain in their relationship with other ethnic groups. The psychological trauma inflicted on survivors and their families is immense and may take generations to heal.
Broader Ethnic Tensions in Ethiopia
The broader impact of these events extends to the wider ethnic relations in Ethiopia. The incessant attacks against the Amharas and the perceived indifference of the government have entrenched ethnic divisions and bred mutual distrust among communities. This has eroded the social cohesion necessary for a harmonious coexistence in a multi-ethnic society. And this toxic climate of mistrust and fear breeds conditions conducive to animosity, exacerbating the risk of inter-ethnic conflicts.
Potential Solutions and Peace Efforts
Role of International Mediation
A multi-pronged approach is needed to address the issue comprehensively. The role of international mediation cannot be overstated in this context. The international community, including the United Nations, African Union, and influential nations, should exert diplomatic pressure on the Ethiopian government to halt the ongoing atrocities, foster dialogue, and take concrete steps towards national reconciliation.
Local Initiatives for Peace
In addition to global efforts, local initiatives for peace are crucial. Community leaders, religious figures, and national institutions should promote dialogue and understanding between different ethnic groups. Grassroot initiatives that celebrate diversity and encourage inter-ethnic harmony should be prioritized. Such bottom-up communal efforts, combined with top-down political decisions, are essential for the promotion of a peaceful, inclusive and harmonious society in Ethiopia.
Tackling the complex problem of ethnic violence requires both immediate and long-term actions. While the immediate task is to halt the ongoing atrocities and hold those responsible accountable, the long-term goal should be geared towards fostering unity among ethnic groups and healing the wounds inflicted over the decades. This is a formidable challenge, but it is one that Ethiopia, with the assistance from the international community, must face for the sake of its future generations.
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