Ethiopian government security forces continue to commit grave human rights violations, with numerous extrajudicial executions, arbitrary arrests and detentions documented over the past month in the Oromia region. In November alone, more than 70 civilians were gunned down by security forces. These killings all occurred in violation of Ethiopia’s own justice system as well as its obligations under international human rights law. Individuals were shot on the street, in their homes, or taken out of prison and executed. Many of the bodies were then dumped and left to scavengers, denying their families a proper burial.
It is important to note that the cases reported here include only those deaths that we were able to validate and support, suggesting that the real number could be much higher.
In May, a report released by Amnesty International found that serious human rights violations were committed by Ethiopian security forces between December 2018 and December 2019, including extrajudicial killings and the arbitrary arrest and detention of thousands of people suspected of supporting the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and other opposition groups. Amnesty International’s Director for East and Southern Africa, Deprose Mucheria called upon the government for action:
The authorities must immediately stop these horrific killings. They must also ensure that those responsible for these callous and brutal acts face justice.
Despite this, the situation has continued to worsen.
Many have lost hope after the early promise of political reforms brought in by the Abiy Ahmed Government in 2018. Prime Minister Ahmed initially brought in a suite of reforms that aimed to reinforce civil and political liberties, including the release of hundreds of political prisoners and admitting the use of torture by government security forces. Many of the Oromo people, who – despite making up the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia – have long faced oppression and political marginalization by successive central governments, saw this as a turning point for the region. Yet, despite this, research conducted independently by OLLAA, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch have all revealed that mass killings and arbitrary detention by security forces have not stopped, and instead risk reaching unprecedented levels in the Oromia region.
The assassination of popular Oromo musician and human rights activist, Hachalu Hundessa, in June, provided a critical moment in an already volatile climate in the region. Mass protests erupted in the days following his death, resulting in a violent clash that left more than 178 people dead and over 7000 people arrested for violence and property damage (Reuters, August 13, 2020). Since then, government forces have continued to use the protests as justification for an increasingly heavy clampdown on human rights. This is despite clear evidence, as per the Amnesty International report and our own data, that extrajudicial killings, imprisonment without trial, and the general revocation of civil and political rights were common well before the June protests.
In the months since, the number of mass killings and arbitrary arrests have continued to grow, with those suspected of links to opposition parties, such as the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), targeted by security forces. This is in direct breach of the Ethiopian Constitution, which explicitly enshrines the right to “equal and effective protection of the law without discrimination on the grounds of… political or other opinion” (Articles 25 and 26). An investigation by Human Rights Watch into the government response to the assassination of Hachalu Hundessa, found that “detentions and investigations have been marred by serious due process violations” (August 15, 2020), with many being held without charge and detained in undisclosed locations.
In addition to government critics from across the political spectrum, including members of powerful opposition groups in the region, such as the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC), many journalists from various media outlets have also been detained. This presents serious concern for the right to freedom of expression and freedom of the press, as do the widespread internet blackouts that were imposed following the June protests. The research conducted by OLLAA in the Oromia region seeks to address this information gap, ensuring that these human rights abuses do not pass unnoticed by the international community.
Our data shows that among the murdered civilians were teachers and economists, respected members of the community, young and old. In one case, armed forces opened fire on a bus full of travelling civilians, killing four. Some were targeted while simply walking on the street with friends.
The Constitution of Ethiopia, which represents the highest law in the nation, sets out the rights of its citizens clearly. Yet, these cases documented here reveal a blatant violation of all but two of the articles set out in Part One: Human Rights (Articles 14 to 28) of Chapter Three: Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the Constitution. These range from breaches of the Rights to Life, the Security of Person and Liberty, to Prohibition against Inhuman Treatment, the Right of Persons Accused and Crimes Against Humanity.
The Ethiopian government is also in direct contravention of its responsibilities under international law – Ethiopia is a signatory of numerous international human rights treaties, including the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights as well as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT).
These deaths represent not only a breach of law on regional, federal and international levels, but a serious moral failing on behalf of a government which has the core mandate to protect its citizens.
We call upon Abiy Ahmed and his government to end these illegal actions and to move towards a permanent and lasting peace in the region. Furthermore, we call on the international community to hold Abiy and his government accountable for their continued breach of international law.
Figure 1. Killings by region
Figure 2. Killings over time
Figure 3: All Incidents documented over the month of November 2020.
| No. | Name | Dates | Zone | District/Town | Incident | Remark |
| 1 | Shaban Abdela | 23/11/2020 | Dire Dawa | Dire Dawa | Killed | Gunned down by Ethiopian Military forces on the street. He died on the spot |
| 2 | Dawit Hambisa | 23/11/2020 | West Welaga | Guliso | Killed | Gunned down by Ethiopian Military forces on the street. He died on the spot |
| 3 | Jamara Babe | 23/11/2020 | Metakal | Metakal | Killed | Killed By Local Security forces |
| 4 | Galana Imana | 23/11/2020 | West Shawa | Ambo | Killed | On Nov. 21/2020 Oromia Security forces took him from his home and killed him. Dumped him at a place called Lega Dambi near Ambo Town. Galana was an economist by profession. |
| 5 | Fanja Woya | 21/11/2020 | West Arsi | Shala/ Aje | Killed | He was shot dead by the governor of Ajje ( Government Cadre). |
| 6 | Galib Aba Sambi | 22/11/2020 | Jimma | Seka | Killed | Ethiopian Military took him from his home, shot him with three bullets and left him thinking him for dead, but later passersby found him alive and took him to Jimma hospital for treatment. Three days later he died in hospital from the injuries he sustained. Galib was a teacher and father of four. |
| 7 | Asefa Kush | 20/11/2020 | North Shawa (Salale) | Dera | Killed | Ethiopian Military took him out of prison and killed him. |
| 8 | Kitila Gudeta | 20/11/2020 | Horo Guduru Wellaga | Sekala | Killed | On 17/11 security forces took him from his home. Later, on 20/11 his body was found in the forest. He was a teacher by profession. |
| 9 | Biranu Gebayo | 20/11/2020 | Horo Guduru Wellaga | sekala | Killed | On 17/11 security forces took him from his home. On 20/11, his body was found in the forest. |
| 10 | Gadisa Alemayo | 20/11/2020 | Horo Guduru Wellaga | Sekala | Killed | On 17/11 security forces took him from his home. On 20/11 his body was found in the forest. |
| 11 | Kedir AbdulahiRobso | 21/11/2020 | East Hararge | Kobo | Killed | Security Forces shot dead this young man in Kobo town. |
| 12 | Getu Jiregna | 20/11/2020 | South west Shawa | Ameya | Killed | Taken from his home and imprisoned, security forces later took him out from prison and killed him. They accused him of being a supporter of OLA. |
| 13 | Maftu Yusuf | 21/11/2020 | East Hararge | Dire Xayara | Killed | Shot and killed by security forces while she was walking with her friends on the street. |
| 14 | Mamazen Teshome | 24/11/2020 | Buno Badele | Buno Badele | Killed | Killed by security forces for being supporter of an opposition party. |
| 15 | Mohamed Shamsadin | 24/11/2020 | Buno Badele | Buno Badele | Killed | Killed by security forces for being supporter of an opposition party. |
| 16 | Temasgen Taso | 24/11/2020 | West Welaga | Sayo Nole | Killed | Taken from his home and shot dead by government security forces. |
| 17 | Gemachu Muktar | 22/11/2020 | East Hararge | Awaday | Killed | Security forces opened fire on him, killing him instantly. |
| 18 | Ayyana Wakgari | 1/11/2020 | Kellam Wallegga | Kake | Killed | Security forces took him from his home and killed him. They accused him of supporting OLA (Oromo Liberation Army). |
| 19 | Tulama Birhanu | 1/11/2020 | Kellam Wallegga | Dambi Dollo | Killed | Security forces killed him after taking him from his home. They accused him of being an OLF (Oromo Liberation Front) member. |
| 20 | Dani’el Ebbisa | 2/11/2020 | East Wallegga | Nakamte | Killed | Killed by security forces for being a supporter of an opposition party (i.e-; OLF) |
| 21 | Million Morka | 2/11/2020 | Horo GuduruWellaga | Harato | Killed | Taken from prison and shot dead by government security forces. |
| 22 | Taklu Bekele | 9/11/2020 | Kellam Wallegga | Sayyo | Killed | Security forces killed him after taking him from his home. They accused him of being an OLF member. |
| 23 | Ahmed Abdulrahman Abbabulgu | 10/11/2020 | Jimma | Bulgu/Limmu Town | Killed | Killed by security forces for being a supporter of an opposition party (i.e-; OLF). |
| 24 | Mathios Banti | Oct-20 | West Wallegga | Gimbi | Killed | Taken from home and imprisoned, later security forces took him out from prison and killed him. They accused him of being supporter of OLA. |
| 25 | Carrasa Horiya | 10/11/2020 | West Wallegga | Gimbi | Killed | Taken from home and imprisoned, later security forces took him out from prison and killed him. They accused him of being supporter of OLA. |
| 26 | Shanko Amanu | 10/11/2020 | Horo GuduruWellaga | Amru | Killed | Taken from home and imprisoned, later security forces took him out from prison and killed him. They accused him of being supporter of OLA. |
| 27 | Ermias Olani | 10/11/2020 | Horo Guduru Wellaga | Amru | Killed | Taken from home and imprisoned, later security forces took him out from prison and killed him. They accused him of being supporter of OLA. |
| 28 | Natsennat Dassalegn | 14/11/2020 | Metakal | Metakal | Killed | She was murdered by an armed group while travelling to visit her family. Armed men opened fire on the bus she was in and killed her and many other people. The Government denied any involvement in this incident and has pointed to an opposition party. |
| 29 | Abarra Raggasa | 14/11/2020 | Metakal | Metakal | Killed | He was murdered by an armed group while travelling to visit his family. Armed men opened fire on the bus he was in and killed him and many other people. The Government denied any involvement in this incident and pointed at an opposition party. |
| 30 | Hailu Raggasa | 14/11/2020 | Metakal | Metakal | Killed | He was murdered by an armed group while travelling to visit his family. Armed men opened fire on the bus he was in and killed him and many other people. The Government denied any involvement in this incident and pointed at an opposition party. |
| 31 | Namarra Raggasa | 14/11/2020 | Metakal | Metakal | Killed | He was murdered by an armed group while travelling to visit his family. Armed men opened fire on the bus he was in and killed him and many other people. The Government denied any involvement in this incident and pointed at an opposition party. |
| 32 | Mammush Cali | 14/11/2020 | West Wallegga | Babbo Gambel | Killed | Security forces killed him after taking him from his home. They accused him of being an OLF member. |
| 33 | Kaffala Ayele | 15/11/2020 | Horo Guduru Wellaga | Amru | Killed | Security forces killed him after taking him from his home. They accused him of being an OLF member. |
| 34 | Isayas Israel | 15/11/2020 | Kellam Wallegga | Anfillo | Killed | Security forces killed him after taking him from his home. They accused him of being an OLF member. |
| 35 | George Gennat | 15/11/2020 | Kellam Wallegga | Anfillo | Killed | Security forces killed him after taking him from his home. They accused him of being an OLF member. |
| 36 | Abba Jitu | 15/11/2020 | Kellam Wallegga | Anfillo | Killed | Security forces killed him after taking him from his home. They accused him of being an OLF member. |
| 37 | Shone Raga | 15/11/2020 | Kellam Wallegga | Anfillo | Killed | Security forces killed him after taking him from his home. They accused him of being an OLF member. |
| 38 | Mange Ayee | 15/11/2020 | Horo GuduruWellaga | Amru | Killed | Security took him from prison and killed him. He was accused of being an OLF supporter or member. |
| 39 | Ingabbu …… | 15/11/2020 | Kellam Wallegga | Anfillo | Killed | Security took him from prison and killed him. He was accused of being an OLF supporter or member. |
| 40 | Abdubba Kotola | 15/11/2020 | Borena | Arero Goro | Killed | He was accused of being an OLF member. Security forces shot him dead. |
| 41 | Dirriba (Teacher) | 15/11/2020 | Kellam Wallegga | Kake | Killed | Security took him from his home and killed him. He was accused of being an OLF supporter or member. |
| 42 | Obsi Adino | 15/11/2020 | Kellam Wallegga | Anfillo | Killed | Security took him from his home and killed him. He was accused of being an OLF supporter or member. |
| 43 | Zakiyos Oliqa | 15/11/2020 | Kellam Wallegga | Anfillo | Killed | Security took him from his home and killed him. He was accused of being an OLF supporter or member. |
| 44 | Rahmata Mohammed | 15/11/2020 | Kellam Wallegga | Anfillo | Killed | Security took him from his home and killed him. He was accused of being an OLF supporter or member. |
| 45 | Abdulselam Abdella | 18/11/2020 | East Hararge | Aweday | Killed | Shot dead by security forces in the street. |
| 46 | Obsa Mohammed | 19/11/2020 | East Hararge | Aweday | Killed | Shot dead by security forces in the street. |
| 47 | Mitiku Yonas (Pipo) | 18/11/2020 | Kellam Wallegga | Dambi Dollo | Killed | Ethiopian Military took him out of prison, shot and killed him. |
| 48 | Tolosa Dabelo | 17/11/2020 | West Shawa | Gindabarat | Killed | Security took him from prison and killed him. He was accused of being an OLF supporter or member. |
| 49 | Borecha Geda | 21/11/2020 | Buno Badele | Buno Badele | Killed | Security forces killed him. He was accused of being an OLF supporter. |
| 50 | Mohammed Jemal | 21/11/2020 | Wallo | Wallo | Killed | Security forces killed him. He was accused of being an OLF supporter. |
| 51 | Jemalo Guddina | 21/11/2020 | West Wallegga | Begi | Killed | Security forces killed him. His body was found in the forest. He was accused of being an OLF supporter. |
| 52 | Rashid Ali | 21/11/2020 | West Wallegga | Begi | Killed | Security forces killed him. His body was found in the forest. He was accused of being an OLF supporter. |
| 53 | Jibril …. | 21/11/2020 | West Wallegga | Begi | Killed | Security forces killed him. His body was found in the forest. He was accused of being an OLF supporter. |
| 54 | Dula Hambisa | 23/11/2020 | West Wallegga | Guliso | Killed | Security took him from his home and killed him. He was accused of being an OLF supporter or member. |
| 55 | Bonsa Hambisa | 23/11/2020 | West Wallegga | Guliso | Killed | Security took him from his home and killed him. He was accused of being an OLF supporter or member. |
| 56 | Dirriba ……. | 24/11/2020 | West Wallegga | Guliso | Killed | Security took him from his home and killed him. He was accused of being an OLF supporter or member. |
| 57 | Moti Kaba | 25/11/2020 | West Wallegga | Lalo asabi | Killed | Security took him from his home and killed him. He was accused of being an OLF supporter or member. |
| 58 | Yosef Dingatu | 25/11/2020 | West Wallegga | Sayo Nole | Killed | Security took him from his home and killed him. He was accused of being an OLF supporter or member. |
| 59 | Negara Kukuba | 25/11/2020 | West Wallegga | Sayo Nole | Killed | Security took him from his home and killed him. He was accused of being an OLF supporter or member. |
| 60 | Wande Abdeta | 25/11/2020 | West Wallegga | Sayo Nole | Killed | Security took him from his home and killed him. He was accused of being an OLF supporter or member. |
| 61 | Moti Fikru | 25/11/2020 | West Wallegga | Gimbi | Killed | Killed by security forces at his home. |
| 62 | Mihretu….. | 25/11/2020 | Kellam Wallegga | Dambi Dollo | Killed | Ethiopian Military took him out of prison, shot and killed him. |
| 63 | Mu’az Aliyi | 25/11/2020 | East Hararge | Dire Xayara | Killed | Shot by security forces in Dire Xayara and killed. |
| 64 | Hayyu Yuya | 26/11/2020 | East Hararge | Awadey | Killed | Shot by security forces in Awadey town and killed. |
| 65 | Musabe Nesruddin | 26/11/2020 | East Hararge | Awadey | Killed | Shot by security forces in Awadey town and killed. |
| 66 | Abdi Ahmed (Abdi Gudda) | 26/11/2020 | East Hararge | Awadey | Injured | Shot by security forces in Awadey town currently being treated in Harar hospital. |
| 67 | Badhane Toyi Oluma | 4/11/2020 | West Shawa | Dirre | Injured | Shot By local militia in Incinni Town. Currently being treated in Ambo Hospital. |
| 68 | Faride Jibril | 19/11/2020 | East Hararge | Dirre Xayara/ Sukul | Injured | Currently under intensive care at local clinic. |
| 69 | Mohammed Ahmed | 19/11/2020 | West Hararge | Baddessa | Injured | Currently being treated in Ciro Hospital. |
| 70 | Sultan Gobena Wako | 21/11/2020 | West Arsi | Shashamanne | Injured | Currently being treated in Shashamanne Hospital. |
| 71 | Abuni Eda’o | 21/11/2020 | Arsi | Munessa | Killed | Security forces took him from his home during the night and killed Him. They accused him of helping rebels opposing the government. Abuni Was one of the most respected elders. |
| 72 | Abo Moroda | 25/11/2020 | West Shawa | Ambo | Killed | The Oromia Special Force came to his home at night. Shot and killed him. Abo was an old man. |
| 73 | Gizaw Markos | 16/11/2020 | West Wallegga | Guliso | Killed | He was taken from his home and killed.. After that his body was eaten by scavengers. |
| 74 | Imane Garoma | 16/11/2020 | West Wallegga | Guliso | Killed | He was taken from his home by security forces and later found dead. His body was left for Hyenas. |
Bibliography:
‘BEYOND LAW ENFORCEMENT: HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS BY ETHIOPIAN SECURITY FORCES IN AMHARA AND OROMIA’. Amnesty International, n.d., 50.
‘Ethiopia’s Security Forces Commit Serious Human Rights Violations to Quell Inter-Communal Clashes’. Accessed 10 December 2020. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/05/ethiopia-rape-extrajudicial-executions-homes-set-alight-in-security-operations-in-amhara-and-oromia/.
Human Rights Watch. ‘Ethiopia: Opposition Figures Held Without Charge’, 15 August 2020. https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/08/15/ethiopia-opposition-figures-held-without-charge.
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