The government claims that the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) killed several civilians and some members of local militias in Jurdega Jarte, Horo Guduru, as stated in its press release of September 24, 2022, as reported by BBC Amharic.
Residents have been reporting continuous killings of several civilians in the zone. However, the government did not disclose any specific numbers, but it stated that the OLA was forced to retreat to Jurdega Jarte following measures taken against it by the government in coordination with the people. It added that the attack was a revenge attack as its area chief was killed in the recent operation. They also aim to disrupt the celebration of the upcoming Meskel and Irreecha holidays.
The report indicated that civilians and local officials have been attacked in Horo Guduru as well as in other zones where the OLA had managed to penetrate. In the past half year, ethnic Amharas have been particularly targeted, with tens of thousands of people being displaced. On the other hand, the OLA repeatedly denies the accusations.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission summarized that more than 60 people were killed, 70 injured, and 20,000 were displaced due to violence between August 29-31, 2022, according to the report.
In another report by BBC Amharic, the EHRC updated the death toll to over 100 people. EHRC’s press release on September 26, 2022, stated that the Oromo Liberation Army/Shene and informal Amhara armed forces were responsible for the violence. The woredas of Horo Bulik and Jurdega Jarte experienced continuous attacks and looting for three days, resulting in the displacement of thousands of people. The EHRC emphasized that the government had failed in its duty to protect civilians in the region.
Source:
- BBC Amharic 24 September 2022
- BBC Amharic 27 September 2022
