Extra-Judicial Killings Continues in Oromia

On the 30th of September, 2021, OLLAA received a verified report of the brutal assassination of Mr. Lataa Fiixee, who was an administrator of Dugdaa district of South Shewa Zone, Oromia. The late Mr. Lataa was assassinated on the 18th of September at around 8pm local time as he was heading home from field work, according to the confirmed report. Mr. Lataa is a resident of the Dugda district, which is also his birthplace. He leaves behind a widow and two children.

Mr. Lataa was known as a hardworking individual who stood up for his people during difficult conditions. According to the verified report received by OLLAA, on the day he met his death, he was heading home after a long day of field work; distributing seedlings to farmers and motivating them for the upcoming planting season.  

His workmate described Mr. Lataa as a visionary man who always stood up for what he believed in. He was also remembered as having spearheaded various commendable development projects within his administration, which earned him respect and admiration from his constituents.

A photo of Lataa’s friends and family during his burial ceremony

The right to life

Life is the first and most fundamental right of individuals, without which no other right can be upheld. Extrajudicial executions are a violation of this right, and can be designated as the deliberate killing of an individual by a state agent or other armed group without a previous judgment affording all judicial guarantees, such as a fair and unbiased trial.

The state has the obligation to promote and protect the right to life, and to prosecute the perpetrators. Unfortunately, OLLAA continues to report a rising number of targeted killings committed by Ethiopian security forces, often in the name of  supporting rebels and legal opposition groups in the country. There is an increasing need to fight the practice of extrajudicial executions in Oromia. OLLAA calls on the Ethiopian government and its partners  to restore constitutional order and rule of law.

A photo of the late Mr. Lataa visiting farmland