Conflict claims three civilian lives in Darra district, Oromia region; three others reportedly killed by “government forces” in West Wollega

Addis Ababa – At least three civilians were killed in a recent attack in Darra district of North Shewa area of ​​Oromia region.

A resident who spoke to Addis Standard on condition of anonymity attributed the July 17, 2024 attack in Jiru Dad village to “Fano militants.”

The victims were identified as Mulu Geta (15 years old), Ababu Tesema (17 years old) and Jobo Abera (30 years old). Mulu and Ababu were previously working as shepherds.

Following the attack, the resident reported that there had been a massive displacement of residents for security reasons. Residents sought refuge in the neighbouring villages of Warra Gabro, Manketa Wariyo and Hindhabu Abote district.

In particular, in Jiru Dad village, more than forty families from Dhaka area were evacuated due to security fears and shifted to the above-mentioned areas, according to the source.

Darra district has been a battleground between the Fano militia and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), as well as between various armed groups and government forces. These conflicts have continued to claim civilian lives.

Last month, Addis Standard reported that at least four civilians were killed in an attack in Darra district.

In December 2023, the community in Darra district suffered a prolonged attack lasting two days, resulting in the deaths of eighteen people and injuries to six others.

A teacher from Gundo Meskel town in Derra district, who also requested anonymity for security reasons, told Addis Standard that “residents living in areas affected by recurrent attacks have asked the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) stationed in the region for protection against attackers operating in Derra district.”

He added: “However, military leaders reportedly informed residents that they were not authorized to intervene.”

The violence and conflict in the Derra district are seriously affecting the educational process. According to the teacher, out of 93 educational centres in the district, only four are currently functioning and receiving students.

Conflict between armed groups and government forces continues to claim lives in Western Oromia.

A resident of Karma Gunfi village in Begi district, West Wollega area, who spoke to Addis Standard recently, revealed that on July 15, 2024, at approximately 9:00 am, government forces took Ramadan Jiba and Tofik Damara to a military camp known as Lalo. Later that day, at around 9:00 pm, their bodies were discovered on the Begi-Kondala road.

“Both Ramadan Jiba (aged 25) and Tofik Damara (aged 24) were reportedly killed by government forces on suspicion of supporting Shane,” it said.

The informant stressed that both victims were civilians. Ramadan Jiba had recently married and earned his living from farming.

Another incident that occurred on July 16, 2024 in Kondala district of West Wollega zone resulted in the death of another civilian, according to a resident who spoke to Addis Standard on condition of anonymity.

The resident reported that at approximately 8:00 pm, government security forces killed Tawakal Mohammed (30 years old) in Wanja village.

The source said that “Tawakal was drinking coffee at a neighbour’s house when government forces arrived, dragged him out, shot him and accused him of supporting the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), also identified by the government as Shane.”

The resident also stressed the deteriorating security situation in the western part of Wollega.

“Fear grips civilians as government forces reportedly target individuals without verification or evidence of alleged support for the OLA,” he said.

Recently, Addis Standard reported that despite government claims, residents in Western Oromia continue to experience insecurity due to ongoing conflicts between government forces and armed groups.

This situation has led to displacement, restrictions on access to healthcare and education, and a climate of fear.

However, Hayilu Adugna, spokesperson for the Oromia Regional State, recently told VOA that government security forces do not intentionally target civilians.

The spokesperson noted that Shane is classified as a terrorist organization and any form of support for Shane will result in accountability.

He further explained that people who provide information, logistical support or backing to the militant group will be arrested and held accountable for their actions. AS

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