Investigation conducted by the Ethiopian Ministry of Justice has revealed religious conflicts in Gondar and Worabe, as well as identity-based clashes in Jinka, resulting in loss of lives, according to a report by Addis Maleda.
Gondar
The ministry’s findings confirm that more than 20 individuals lost their lives and over 100 sustained injuries during a religious conflict in Gondar on Friday, April 22, 2022. One mosque was completely destroyed, while eight others suffered varying degrees of damage. The conflict stemmed from a dispute over the use of rocks for a burial ground.
According to the report, the ministry’s investigators interviewed over 250 witnesses and collected various evidence. As a result, 509 suspects were arrested and the prosecution has commenced indictments. The investigation did not reveal any evidence of premeditated activities.
Worabe
In Worabe, two people were killed and 70 others were wounded. The report highlights that following the news of the conflicts in Gondar, certain individuals openly called for the burning of churches using a megaphone in Worabe. As a result, four Ethiopian Orthodox churches and three Protestant churches were set on fire. Additionally, twelve business and private properties were vandalized. The report states that 97 suspects have been indicted.
Jinka
The investigation also confirmed identity-based attacks against ethnic Amharas in Jinka. The conflict was instigated by Arigna Sheke, a youth group that claims Jinka and four other woredas to form the Ari Zone. Approximately 1,150 people were displaced, and properties estimated to be worth 247 million were damaged. On Friday, April 29, 2022, the group set fire to the houses of 144 Amharas, resulting in complete destruction. Furthermore, 46 residences were damaged, along with one mosque, while 232 businesses were looted. Law enforcement authorities arrested 782 suspects, and 142 of them have been indicted.
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