Ethnic conflicts and ethnic based killings are becoming commonplace in Ethiopia. The sporadic nature of the attacks and the small number of causalities means that no major international media, international human rights organizations and other bodies of international community has done much to either publicize the situation or to put pressure on the Meles regime to stop the killings.
This week witnessed one of such attacks on Burji ethnic group. On September 17, 2008 well armed Guji warriors descended on Lemmo Kebele of Burji special woreda and carried out killing and looting of Burjis. As the result of the attack, the following individuals were killed: Daro Araro, Ado Chule, Ando Yayo, Bogale Dula, and Kojie Hirbo. Also four people including the following individuals were wounded: Gojie Hidde, Roba Yayo and Hirbo Sole. One of them is critically wounded.
The wounded were taken to Arbaminch Hospital instead of the Hospital in the nearby town of Hagermariam because the route from Burji to Hagremariam town, which was the main artery, is under siege from Guji warriors.
Besides, the town of Hagermariam itself was the scene of major attack against Burjis in August 2008. The Gujis attacked Burjis living in the town where individuals from various ethnic groups reside. The Gujis targeted the Burji enclave of the town, mainly Kebele, 02, 03, and 04.
At the time, the Gujis killed Mr. Bode simply because he is Burji. Then few days later, they tossed hand grenade on the top of the house where many Burji men, women and children were taking a refugee. That barbaric act was intended to maximize the carnage, but fortunately the grenade detonated outward without causing any human fatality. There after the targeted Burji group scrambled to leave the town for safety leaving behind all their belongings, properties and everything that they owned hanging only to their dear life.
Government Response Disappointing
The forces of Ethiopian government have failed to protect Burjis against the ongoing onslaught.
The attack against Burjis in the town of Hagermariam took place under the watchful eyes of 200 federal government armed forces.
Also, during the September 17, 2008 attack on the Lemmo Kebele, there were only 30 members of federal and state police in Burji.
Even after the conflict and on the eve of other major attack to occur against Burjis, the government is committed to send only 96 military personnel to contain the attacks against more than 50,000 Burjis.
Urgent Need of Assistance
The international humanitarian organizations have also turned blind eyes to the plight of the Burjis. So far, the victims of the attacks are not given any aid. Particularly, children and elderly are the most vulnerable victims of the aggression. The prevalent draught in the country as well as the Guji aggression has left thousands of Burjis in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
The situation looks grim to Burjis as the Gujis are preparing yet again to carry out another major assault. Reports indicate that another Guji attack is almost imminent.
The international community should hold the Meles dictatorship accountable. Besides, international humanitarian organization should interfere to assist the Burjis who are suffering from aggression and hunger.
(The writer of this press release can be reached at [email protected])