DEVASTATION UNLEASHED: Civilians in Ethiopia’s Amhara Region Targeted in Second Deadly Back-to-Back Drone Attack in a Week
Addis Ababa: In a disturbing development, reports have emerged of a drone attack on civilians in Guba Lafto, Amhara region of Ethiopia, on May 14, 2024. The attack, allegedly orchestrated by the Oromo-led Prosperity Party, resulted in the tragic deaths of six innocent civilians, including a six-year-old girl. This violent incident is the latest in a series of escalating conflicts that have inflicted suffering upon the Amhara region, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
This marks the second drone attack in the Amhara region within a brief period, following a similar incident in Northern Shewa, Ethiopia. These successive attacks raise concerns about a consistent pattern of aggression by the Oromo-led government against the Amhara people.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addressed a crowd of supporters at a football stadium in Nekemte, Oromia region, where he made controversial remarks, implicitly referring to the Amhara people as “immoral” and the enemy. His statements have heightened tensions in the region, which has been under a state of emergency for the past seven months, witnessing numerous drone attacks on schools, churches, and residential areas.
The international community is urged to hold the current regime accountable for its actions and to support efforts towards peace and stability in the region. Urgent steps include advocating for an independent investigation into the drone attacks and other human rights violations, providing essential humanitarian aid to affected communities, and facilitating inclusive peace talks addressing the root causes of the conflict. Ensuring the protection and rights of all ethnic groups in Ethiopia is paramount for achieving lasting peace and stability.
