Ethnic massacre in Ethiopia's Oromia province; over 200 killed in two weeks

Addis Ababa: – Over 200 people have been killed in ethnic clashes in Ethiopia’s Oromia province. The victims were killed last week in what became known as the ‘East Welega Zone in Oromia province. The massacre is said to have been carried out by the Oromo Liberation Army; a group declared a terrorist organization by the Ethiopian government. The group has also joined hands with armed rebel groups in Tigray to overthrow Prime Minister Abi Ahmed’s government.

According to the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, the incident of the ethnic massacre has come to light. Last week, on August 18, the Oromo Liberation Army launched a major offensive in the Kiramu district of the East Welega Zone. The attack targeted people from the Amhara community. More than 150 people were killed in the attack, including women and children, locals said. In retaliation, local rebel groups killed more than 60 people. Local media reports put the death toll at more than 230. This is the second time in six months that many people have been killed in an ethnic conflict. In March, more than 300 people were killed in fierce ethnic clashes between the Oromo and Amhara communities. Three years ago, Abi Ahmed, who assumed power in Ethiopia, had promised a solution to the ethnic conflict. But in reality, new racial strife seems to be flaring up in Ethiopia.

Prime Minister Abi Ahmed has failed to quell an uprising in Tigray province. Instead, insurgents in Tigray are now threatening to target other areas. At the same time, the Oromo Liberation Army and the rebels in Tigray have come together. This union will pose the biggest challenge facing Prime Minister Ahmed. Analysts have warned that he has taken assistance from neighbouring Eritrea to quell the insurgency, which could backfire on him.