According to The Reporter, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has stated that a total of 39 people were killed in the Bulen Woredas of Benishangul Gumuz since July 2021.
EHRC reported that in two separate incidents, at least 31 people were killed in Bulen Woreda. The first incident occurred in Emjai Kelebe between July 9 and 10, 2021, where an armed group killed 16 people. The following day, the armed men killed 15 more people who were attending funerals for those killed in the previous days. An additional eight civilians were also killed in Denbe Kebele, resulting in 4,000 people fleeing their homes and seeking refuge in Minjina Woreda.
As reported by Addis Standard, the violence was allegedly in retaliation for the killing of an elderly man in Emanji Kebele of Metekel on Friday, July 9, 2021. The report also mentioned that at least 17 people were killed and 30 others were missing.
EHRC has called on the government to protect displaced individuals and ensure justice for the victims. For full reports, please refer to The Reporter and Addis Standard.
Sources:
- Addis Standard July 12, 2021
- The Reporter July 17 2021
