The ethnic-based violence that has been occurring in West Oromia, particularly in the Wollega zones, has now spread to the West Shoa zone, which is located in the center of the country, according to a report by BBC Amharic. The violence is linked to the movement of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), also known as Shene. While the federal government has labeled Shene as a terrorist group, the group itself identifies as OLA.
OLA has long been present in West Oromia, specifically in the four zones of Wollega, as well as in South Oromia’s Guji zone. The report reveals that OLA’s presence has expanded to the West Shoa zone in recent months. In the surrounding woredas of Ambo town, both ethnic Amharas and ethnic Oromos have been killed. Local authorities and eyewitnesses from both ethnic groups assert that Shene has killed a significant number of ethnic Amharas, leading to retaliatory killings of ethnic Oromos by Amhara armed groups. The report highlights several woredas, including Chando, Chano, and Nono, where these brutalities have taken place.
Chando Killing:
On December 29, 2022, at least 20 Amharas, including a one-and-a-half-year-old baby, were killed in Chando kebele. Abebaw Mekonen, a resident of Chando and a member of the local militia, informed BBC Amharic that he lost his family and 15 close relatives in the attack. His wife, their children, his brother, his sister, and their children were among the victims. Another resident, who lost his father, stated that their family was targeted because his brother was a local militia member and because they were Amhara. The families of the victims expressed their distress, as they were unable to organize proper funerals. Weeks after the incident, the displaced people have not been able to return, and they are not receiving government support, as mentioned in the report.
Retaliation:
Following the Chando incident, Amhara armed groups carried out a retaliatory attack against ethnic Oromos in Dano Woreda, according to local authorities and members of the victims’ families interviewed by BBC Amharic.
The vice administrator of Dano Woreda, Ato Samuel Teshome, reported that 13 ethnic Oromos were killed and over 97 houses were burned down on January 31, 2022. The vice administrator explained that Shene has been killing Amharas, looting their properties, and burning down their houses, which has led to retaliatory attacks by armed Amharas from other areas.
The administrator of the nearby Nono Woreda, Ato Workneh Fugarsa, stated that several revenge attacks occurred in his woreda at the end of January 2022. Residents provided accounts of killings, including the burial of bodies in a mass grave. Some residents expressed frustration that the government is disarming them, leaving them unable to defend themselves against attacks. However, the woreda administrator argued that disarming helps prevent arms from falling into the hands of Shene. Both Amhara and Oromo victims of the conflict stated that they are not receiving support from the government.
Kelem Wollega:
While the violence has expanded to the central part of the country, civilians in Kelem Wollega continue to face challenges. Local authorities reported that OLA killed 168 people and caused extensive property damage in Gidami Woreda, according to the Ethiopian Press Agency, as quoted by BBC Amharic. Eighty-seven bodies were found in one location. OLA did not comment on the accusations.
Source:
