The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has urged the federal government to take immediate action to improve the security situation in the Metekel and Kamashi zones of the Benishangul region, as reported by Addis Standard. Residents have informed EHRC that numerous people have been forced to leave their villages due to ongoing attacks on civilians by Gumuz militias since March 2021. Government offices in the area have been closed since January 2021.
EHRC also documented the accounts of 145 Gumuz families who were detained by Gumuz forces for not supporting their cause. In September 2021, the group carried out an attack on Sedal Woreda, resulting in 5,000 residents of the woreda seeking refuge at the Woreda Administration compound.
The people of Metekel and Kamashi continue to face repeated attacks by this armed group, and despite efforts by federal and regional security forces, the situation has yet to improve. For the full report, click here.
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