Mr. Bonsa Fayyisoo Bajiga, a 42-year-old farmer and a father of four children, has been supporting his family through farming in the rural village of Tuchii Sumaya, located in the Dugda District of East Shoa, Oromia region. The village has been plagued by ongoing clashes and fighting between government forces and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA).
On June 16, 2023, after the usual fighting, the government army took control of the area and the sound of gunfire subsided for a while. Mr. Bonsa then left his home to visit his farm accompanied by his neighbor, a young man named Keranti Golje.
As they made their way to the farm, they encountered a group of government forces who knocked them down without any question and shot them from behind. Mr. Bonsa died instantly while Mr. Keranti miraculously survived the attack, although sustaining severe injuries. However, instead of receiving proper medical treatment, Mr. Keranti found himself detained in Maqi prison, enduring the punishment for his survival. Such practices are not uncommon in that area. By being falsely accused of supporting OLA, the local community are often killed, arrested and subjected to beatings by government security forces.
Unfortunately, Mr. Keranti remains detained in Maqi prison with his wounds as punishment for surviving his attack.
Suuraa: Boonsaa Fayyisoo
International Law
International human rights law includes the obligation for States to protect individuals from human rights violations, including violations of the right to life, which is guaranteed under numerous human rights treaties that Ethiopia is a party to, including the UDHR, ICCPR, CRC, and ACHPR. Extrajudicial executions, which involve the deliberate killing of individuals by state agents outside of any legal framework, constitute a violation of this right. The Ethiopian security forces therefore must face the consequences for their actions, which led to the loss of innocent lives, injuries and to the denial of justice. They must rightfully take responsibility for the death of Mr. Bonsa and the injuries of Mr Keranti. Human rights must be prioritized by the government, including ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.