Metekel conflict

The Metekel conflict is an armed conflict in the Metekel Zone of the Benishangul-Gumuz Region in Ethiopia, which began in 2019.[2] In March 2020, the leader of one of the groups called Fano, Solomon Atanaw, stated that the Fano would not disarm before Metekel Zone is returned to the control of Amhara Region.[3]

Metekel conflict
Part of conflicts in the Horn of Africa

Location of Benishangul-Gumuz in Ethiopia
Date23 June 2019 – present
Location
Metekel, Benishangul-Gumuz, Ethiopia
Status ongoing
Belligerents

 Ethiopia

Tigray People's Liberation Front (alleged)

Oromo Liberation Army

  • OLF/Shanne (alleged)
Gumuz Liberation Front/Buadin (alleged)[1]
Commanders and leaders

Abiy Ahmed

Ashadli Hussein

Debretsion Gebremichael

unknown
Strength
500+
Casualties and losses
unknown 65 killed
437 – 565+ civilians killed

Groups involved

Gumuz people have had tensions with agricultural Amhara and Agaw settlers from the highlands, who in Metekel Zone constitute minority ethnic groups. Gumuz are alleged to have formed militias such as Buadin and the Gumuz Liberation Front that have staged attacks.[4][1] Additionally, it is reported Gumuz have targeted Oromo and Shinasha, viewing them as "settlers".[5]

Ashadli Hussein, president of the Benishangul-Gumuz Region, stated that there were many groups associated with political parties encouraging the armed conflict. He blamed the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) as holding the main responsibility.[2]

In December 2020, Ashadli stated that federal and regional security forces were coordinating in "annihilating 'anti-peace forces', arresting them, and confiscating firearms".[2] Vice-president of the Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Getahun Abdisa, described the region's actions in terms of a "coordinated effort between the regional government, the federal government, the regional police, anti-insurgency and security forces" of detaining members of "criminal groups".[6] On 21 December 2020, the Benishangul-Gumuz Command Post stated that it was using a "door-to-door hunt" response to suspected perpetrators of the violence.[7]

At a public meeting with prime minister Abiy Ahmed on 22 December, Zebid Budna of Kamashi Zone attributed the violence to an Oromo Liberation Army group "OLF/Shanne".[7]

The Chairman of one of the groups called Fano, Solomon Atanaw, said in March 2020 that Fano would not disarm without Metekel zone being part of Amhara Region.[3]

Peace process

On 22 December 2020, Abiy Ahmed held talks with Metekel Zone residents, Minister of Peace Muferiat Kamil, army Chief of Staff Berhanu Jula, Ashadli Hussein, and other officials.[7]

In December 2020, Ashadli stated that the Ministry of Peace would coordinate the creation of a reconciliation committee consisting of people from the Benishangul-Gumuz and Amhara Regions.[2]

Timeline

23 June

The Amhara Region coup d'état attempt took place on 22 June 2019. Early on the morning of 23 June, armed men suspected to be supportive of the leader of the attempted coup killed 37 people and wounded 18 in the Metekel Zone.[8]

September

Weeks of attacks on civilians took place in Metekel Zone in early September, especially in Bulan. Online social media estimated 150 deaths, which Atinkut Shitu, administrator of Metekel Zone, disputed. According to social media as summarised by Addis Standard, the targets were ethnic Amharans. Officials stated that the attacks had no ethnic motivations.[9]

October

12–40 people were killed over a personal dispute over a stolen firearm in Metekel zone. Amhara politicians claim it was an attack on members of the Amhara ethnic group by Gumuz militias.[4]

14 November
Main article: 2020 Ethiopia bus attack

The 14 November bus attack on a passenger bus in Benishangul-Gumuz killed 34 people.[10]

8 December

The command post of Metekel zone killed 23 insurgents reportedly associated with the TLPF in Dangur.[11]

15 December

Civilians were killed in the Dangur and Dibate woredas on 15 December. Amhara Region officials stated that the victims were Amharans killed for their ethnic identity. Benishangul-Gumuz officials disagreed with the identifying the conflict as "communal violence between various nations".[6] Addis Standard estimated on 22 December that Metekel Zone attacks had killed 24 people.[7]

22–23 December
Main article: Metekel massacre

On the night of 22–23 December 2020, a massacre and burning down of houses took place in Bikuji kebele in Metekel Zone.[12][2] As of 23 December 2020, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission counted 100 deaths. Other sources state 220 were killed.[12] Authorities responded by killing 42 suspects and arresting seven officials.[13][14][15]

12 January

Between 5:00 and 7:00 on the morning of 12 January in Daletti in the Metekel Zone, 82 civilians were killed and 22 injured in an attack, according to the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC).[16]

See also

References
  1. "Benishangul: At least 60 civilians mostly women, children killed". borkena.com. 12 January 2021. Retrieved 17 January 2021.
  2. Mekonnen, Siyanne; Fasil, Mahlet (2020-12-23). "News Alert: Eyewitnesses say more than 90 killed in fresh attack in Bulen Wereda, Benishangul Gumuz; region cautions civilians to join safe villages". Addis Standard. Archived from the original on 2020-12-23. Retrieved 2020-12-23.
  3. "Fano Will Not Lay Down Arms If Demands Are Not Met: Chairman". Ezega News. 2020-03-28. Archived from the original on 2020-12-02. Retrieved 2020-12-02.
  4. "12 killed in latest attack in western Ethiopia". News24. Retrieved 2020-12-26.
  5. "More than 100 killed in latest ethnic massacre in Ethiopia". AP. 2020-12-23. Archived from the original on 2020-12-23. Retrieved 2020-12-23.
  6. Mekonnen, Siyanne (2020-12-17). "News: As killings of civilians continue in Metekel, authorities in Benishagul Gumuz, Amhara regional states step up blames". Addis Standard. Archived from the original on 2020-12-23. Retrieved 2020-12-23.
  7. Mekonnen, Siyanne (2020-12-22). "News: PM Abiy meets Metekel residents to discuss security; meeting comes a day after door-to-door 'hunt' launched to control 'criminal groups' behind attacks on civilians". Addis Standard. Archived from the original on 2020-12-23. Retrieved 2020-12-23.
  8. Meseret, Elias (2019-06-26). "Ethiopia: 37 killed in another region after coup attempt". AP. Archived from the original on 2020-12-23. Retrieved 2020-12-23.
  9. Mekonnen, Siyanna; Abera, Etenesh (2020-09-16). "Analysis: Weeks long attacks on civilians leave several dead, injured in Metekel zone, Benishangul Gumuz region". Addis Standard. Archived from the original on 2020-12-23. Retrieved 2020-12-23.
  10. "Benishangul-Gumuz: Attackers kill dozens in western Ethiopia". BBC News. 2020-12-23. Archived from the original on 2020-12-23. Retrieved 2020-12-23.
  11. "Command post kills 23 insurgents in western Ethiopia – New Business Ethiopia". Retrieved 2020-12-26.
  12. "More than 100 killed in latest ethnic massacre in Ethiopia". AP. 2020-12-23. Archived from the original on 2020-12-23. Retrieved 2020-12-23.
  13. "Defence army takes measures against 42 anti-peace elements in Metekel zone". Fana Broadcasting Corporation. 2020-12-24. Archived from the original on 2020-12-25. Retrieved 2020-12-25.
  14. "Ethiopian troops kill 42 armed men behind deadly village attack, reports state TV". Al Arabiya. 2020-12-24. Archived from the original on 2020-12-25. Retrieved 2020-12-25.
  15. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ethiopia-violence/over-80-killed-in-attack-in-ethiopian-border-region-with-sudan-state-rights-commission-idUSKBN29I23R
  16. "Over 80 civilians killed in latest west Ethiopia massacre: EHRC". Al Jazeera English. 2021-01-13. Archived from the original on 2021-01-13. Retrieved 2021-01-14.
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