Mobs carried out a coordinated attack targeting predominantly ethnic Dorze civilians, resulting in the deaths of at least 23 individuals in Burayou, located in the Oromia Special Zone just 19 km away from the capital, as reported by Addis Standard. Other minority ethnic groups, including Gamos, Wolayitas, Guraghes, and Siltes, were also among the victims.
According to witnesses interviewed by Addis Standard, the tensions began on Thursday, September 13, 2018, and continued throughout the weekend. Survivors reported that local police failed to respond despite repeated calls for intervention. Zeynu Jemal, the commissioner general of the federal police commission, acknowledged a security gap. Approximately 300 suspects were arrested in Addis Ababa, and up to 400 were apprehended in Burayou.
As reported by The Ethiopian Reporter, women have been subjected to rape, and thousands have been displaced, seeking shelter in schools, churches, and Red Cross tents in the area.
On September 17, 2018, protests erupted in Addis Ababa condemning the killings. However, according to Zeynu Jemal, security forces fatally shot five demonstrators during the protest.
For the full reports from Addis Standard and The Ethiopian Reporter, click here.
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