A study conducted by three political parties in Benishangul reveals that between June 29, 2020, and September 18, 2020, over 150 people were killed and 50 injured in Guba, Wonbera, and Bulen woredas of the Metekel zone in Benishangul, as reported by Addis Maleda. The study indicates that the victims were killed by armed militias and regional security forces. Furthermore, more than 700 people were subjected to mass detention, and over 35,000 individuals were displaced from their villages.
The Boro Democratic Party, Gumuz Democratic Movement, and Benishangul People’s Liberation Movement for Peace and Development Organization collaborated to conduct this study. They assert that the government has failed to provide adequate public protection in the zone.
According to the parties, despite being under a state of emergency for over two years, the Metekel zone continues to experience ongoing killings. The report highlights that more than 800 people have been killed since 2018. The command post overseeing the region is exacerbating the situation. The party calls on the federal government to hold the regional government accountable for its failure to protect the people.
Addis Maleda’s report also states that the regional government rounded up 358 individuals suspected of involvement in the violence. An additional 30 people were detained in relation to security issues in the Metekel Zone.
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