Bench Sheko Zone administrator said gunmen killed 180 people in recurring violence in the zone, as reported by Addis Standard and Addis Maleda. Out of the victims, 151 were civilians, and 28 were members of law enforcement. An additional 29 members of the security forces sustained severe injuries.
The reports also highlighted that the violence has displaced over 21,900 people and resulted in the destruction of more than 732 houses in Gura Ferda and South Bench woredas. The conflict has been threatening the livelihood and social fabric of the community.
According to Addis Standard’s report, the recent conflicts appear to have resulted from demands related to the restructuring of the zone. The South-West-Ethiopia region was formed in September 2020, bringing together Bench-Sheko, Kaffa, Dawro, Sheka, and West Omo zones, as well as Konta Special woreda. According to the Bench Sheko Zonal Council, criminal groups are inciting ethnic violence, masquerading as protests against the new administrative structuring. The council admitted the participation of security forces and promised to rehabilitate those affected by the conflict.
Federal security forces have been deployed following the request of the Zonal council. However, violence has not been brought to a halt. According to Addis Standard, armed groups resumed attacks on June 4, 2021, killing regional security forces and torching houses, which led to thousands being displaced.
