Markos Kebede was born in the Biyee Dimtu Village, Mana Sibu Woreda, West Wollega Zone of Oromia. A husband and father of one, Markos had to discontinue his university studies due to the ongoing conflict in the area. OLLAA staff members spoke with Markos’ relatives about his extrajudicial killing.
According to the source, on November 14, 2022, the Benishangul Regional State Special Forces police, known locally as Liyu Hayil, opened fire, killing Markos as he reaped crops on his family’s farm. The day before, violent clashes had erupted between Benishangul Gumuz and Oromia regional state forces over a border issue. Markos was a civilian victim, caught in the crossfire of a disputed woreda.
International Law
According to international human rights law, a government’s main responsibility is to protect and promote the rights of those residing under its jurisdiction. As a result, the Ethiopian government bears the duty to ensure that both state and non-state actors or groups refrain from violating human rights. Specifically, the government must protect its people against armed groups that are supported by the state. In addition, the government needs to execute justice and to hold the offenders responsible. The rights to life, freedom of movement, housing, and property are among the internationally recognized rights that have been violated in this case. The UDHR, ICCPR, ACHPR, and Ethiopian national law all safeguard these rights. OLLAA calls on the Ethiopian government, therefore, to make human rights its first priority and to prosecute those responsible for crimes committed.