Metekel massacre
The Metekel massacre was a massacre during the 2019–2020 Metekel conflict that took place in the night of 22–23 December 2020, in Bikuji kebele, Metekel Zone, Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Ethiopia. Houses were burned.[1][2] As of 23 December 2020[update], the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission counted 100 deaths.[1] Authorities responded by killing 42 suspects and arresting seven officials.[3][4]
Context
Several massacres took place in the Metekel Zone during 2019–2020. Different regional and federal authorities disagree on the characterisation of the conflict.[2] The 22–23 December massacre followed several other ethnicity-related massacres in Ethiopia during late 2020.[1]
Massacre
A massacre and burning of houses took place during the night from 22 to 23 December 2020 in Bikuji Kebele in the Metekel Zone. Witness Tesfahun Amogne said that the residents had been surrounded by 500 gunmen. He said that security forces had been "repeatedly notified", and arrived after the attackers had left.[2]
Amhara Mass Media Agency described the victims as Amharans and the killings as "ethnically targeted".[2]
Estimates of the number of dead included 90,[2] 100 (Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, EHRC), and 200 (National Movement of Amhara).[1]
Based on interviews with five witnesses, Amnesty International described the perpetrators as ethnic Gumuz and the victims as ethnic Amharans, Oromo and Shinasha, seen by the Gumuz as settlers.[1]
Response
The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) responded to the massacre by killing 42 people who were alleged by state media to have been involved in the massacre. Benishangul-Gumuz Region security forces arrested seven officials in relation to the massacre.[3][4]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e "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.
- ^ a b c d e 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.
- ^ a b "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.
- ^ a b "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.
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