[ad_1]
“Over the past week, we have seen alarming violence erupt in the Oromia region and in Tigray,” said United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet.
Violence not addressed
Last weekend, dozens of people were killed and injured during the brutal attacks in the western Oromia region of the country.
On Sunday, the rebel Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) was reportedly accused of attacks in Oromia state, a dissident militia from the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), an opposition party that returned from exile after the election of the Nobel Peace Prize winning Prime Minister. Abiy Ahmed, in 2018.
Ms. Bachelet expressed concern over reports that armed assailants had attacked members of the Amhara ethnic group in the Wollega area of the region.
According to the Government, the attack caused 32 deaths, according to a press release from the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), but other sources indicate that the number of victims could be much higher.
“If not addressed, that violence only leaves desolation, fuels revenge and leads to more clashes between communities and more victims and displacement in the country,” said the High Commissioner.
Tigray restrictions
Early Wednesday morning, Internet connections and telephone lines were cut throughout the Tigray region, hampering all communication networks, according to the OHCHR statement.
The High Commissioner expressed concern about the restrictions imposed on the people of Tigray, including their right to freedom of movement and expression.
“Cutting off communication has severely hampered the ability to monitor the situation on the ground, in particular the impact of the clashes on the local population,” said Ms Bachelet, calling on national authorities to “restore all basic services, including Internet and telephone connections ”.
He stressed that “the right of all people to be informed and to access information is particularly vital in a crisis situation.”
According to media reports, the prime minister launched a military operation on Wednesday, following an alleged deadly attack on a military base in the region. Both sides have reportedly accused the other of starting the fight.
“I urge all parties to stop the violence, to prevent further loss of life, mass displacement and further destabilization,” Ms. Bachelet appealed.
Vote of confidence
The UN human rights chief called for “prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigations into all these incidents and for the government to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”
He also asked the federal and regional authorities to “guarantee the protection of the population and establish throughout the country the social, economic, security and political measures necessary to break the cycle of violence and build trust among communities.”
“I am confident that Ethiopians can succeed on the path of social inclusion and economic and social development with full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,” said the High Commissioner. “You can count on the support of my Office.”
The insurance of a boss
On Wednesday, UN chief António Guterres voiced alarm over reported armed clashes in the Tigray region.
In a statement issued through his spokesman on Wednesday, the Secretary General called for “immediate measures to reduce tensions and ensure a peaceful solution to the dispute.”
He underlined the importance of Ethiopia’s stability for the entire Horn of Africa region and renewed the UN’s commitment to support Ethiopia “in its reform efforts aimed at building a peaceful and secure future for all its peoples.”
