Rising Tensions: Security situation in the Southwest deteriorates
EthioTribune Staff Writer
October 5, 2006
Oromia: According to sources the security situation in Ilu Abbaabor, as well the adjacent regions of Gomma and Jimma have deteriorated. The carnage has caused significant lose of life and damage to property. Local residents blame EPRDF cadres for fanning the incidents. Cadres are being pressured by the higher-ups to shore up sagging support for the regime. However, their clumsy effort at it is instead leading to more opposition against EPRDF, which the local police is finding increasingly difficult to suppress. Although there are reports of many casualties, EthioTribune could confirm, thus far, four deaths in Callo alone. Their names are Zenu A/Rago, Tamam A/Rago, Jihad A/Cabsa and his young wife, Sinde. The wounded are currently being treated in Jimma.
According to the same sources, the violent incident in Dhidhessa was orchestrated by a disguised Tigrean resident officer in Callo. He was assisted by five other individuals, whose names are reported as Salu (Immishu ) Gizaw, Barihun Tasfaye, Abra Dagu, Gabru Gidey and Kinde Gidey, all of them are Tigrean and affiliated with EPRDF.
The locals claim that these individuals, who resided in Callo and Yaanfa villages, were armed in anticipation of this incident. Besides, they are said to accompany the EPRDF army in its sweeps against the locals, showing the whereabouts of places and suspects.
In revenge attacks the locals have razed many houses and properties belonging to what the locals call “agent provocateurs.” So far 93 houses have been set ablaze. After the incident, the authorities have carried out a security sweep, detaining scores.
In a related report of violence that took place on September 29, 2006 seven were killed in addition to 3 flourmills, 16 houses and two buildings that were destroyed, including that of a wealthy Tigrean merchant seen arming EPRDF supporters.
On September 30, 2006, there was protest in Yaabu, attended by over 500. Protesters demanded the release of 10 students detained earlier by the police. When the latter refused to heed the call and demonstrators refused to disperse the police fired and killed two youngsters and critically wounded two others. Among the police who took part in the killings the following names are mentioned: Lieutenant Tashale Araga, Imiru Tarafika, Makonnon and Matasabiya (a female officer).
In Manna district a large crowd of over 1000 clashed with the police. The police shot and killed two youngsters--- both named Najji. There are also about 10 that are wounded, currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Jimma.
Although the disturbances are mainly between the locals ---predominantly Oromo--- and the ruling party and political in nature, the ruling party is trying to portray the incidents as a religious strife. This is done in a bid to taint the image of opposition groups, such as the OLF, which is popular with the locals and reportdly getting active in the area.