The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) reported that on December 1, 2021, security forces killed 14 leaders of the Karrayu’s Michilee Gadaa in the Eastern Shoa zone of Fentali district. According to the report, armed men ambushed four police patrols in Haro Kersa kebele, resulting in the death of 11 Oromia special force members and injuries to nine Zonal and Fentale woreda police.
EHRC learned that the following day, approximately 100 members of the Oromia security forces raided Arda Jilla, the seat of Gada leaders, and detained 39 men. Fourteen of them, including the Karrayu Abba Gadaa, were found dead the next day. The Gadaa leaders had been shot in the head and back. Two members managed to escape, while the whereabouts of the remaining 23 individuals remain unknown. Weeks later, one of them was found dead, showing signs of head injuries and bodily harm.
Traditionally, only Gada leaders and their families reside in Arda Jilla, with approximately 63 leaders and their families living in the area. Security forces gathered the men, seized their weapons, and conducted searches of their houses, confiscating arms, mobile phones, and money. Witnesses who spoke with EHRC stated that the security forces threatened the men, urging them to reveal the identity of those responsible for killing the security members in Haro Kersa.
One community elder informed EHRC that such a calamity had never been witnessed in this sacred place before, and the incident has disrupted the Gadaa tradition as its leaders were either killed or imprisoned.
The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) is reportedly active in the areas surrounding Fentale and has been carrying out various attacks. The regional government has been conducting operations to apprehend the perpetrators and engaging in peacekeeping efforts with the communities. The report mentioned that the security members, who were ambushed, were returning to Metehara after conducting security operations in Fentale and three other woredas. They had also held meetings with the Abba Gadaas in Arda Jilla.
The Oromia regional government claims that OLA targeted and killed the Gadaa leaders due to their involvement in a recent demonstration against the OLA.
Members of the Karrayu community and elders expressed that they have been cooperating with the government and have even organized demonstrations in support of the government. However, they are saddened by the government’s failure to restore calm in the community and hold the responsible parties accountable.
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