Human Lives Human Rights: The Ethiopian authorities must urgently launch an investigation into the summary killing of over 400 Amhara residents of Tole Kebele in Oromia region on June 18.
Hundreds of people were killed and scores injured in an attack that survivors and victims’ family members say was committed by the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA).
The attack began at around 9am on 18 June after many adults in the area had left home to work on farms or take care of other business, according to nine witnesses.
Witnesses said OLA forces surrounded villages in the locality, before a gunshot signaled the start of the attack. Most of those who had stayed behind in the villages were mothers and children who were unable to flee the attackers.
These horrific killings in Tole, allegedly at the hands of the Oromo Liberation Army, reveal its perpetrators’ utter disregard for human life.
This callous massacre, which also saw women and children lose their lives, must be independently and effectively investigated.
Ethiopian authorities must leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators of these killings are brought to justice in fair trials.
This callous massacre, which also saw women and children lose their lives, must be independently and effectively investigated.
It must be noted that in addition to the mass killing of Amhara residents, OLA fighters also burned homes and looted cattle, cash and cereals from houses.
This is not the first time that ethnic Amhara residents have been attacked in Oromia region. The Ethiopian government must protect ethnic Amhara in Oromia from unlawful killings and other human rights abuses.
