The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) has keenly followed recent events in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (Ethiopia).
The Commission strongly condemns the killing of thirty-two (32) or more civilians in the Oromia region’s Wollega Zone by armed and unarmed assailants on 1st November 2020. This is reported to be the latest of a series of massacres against civilians in that region of the country.
The Commission calls on the Government of Ethiopia to carry out prompt and impartial investigations into the killings and bring the perpetrators to justice, as well as ensure that victims and their families get adequate redress.
The Commission is equally concerned about the military offensive launched by the Government of Ethiopia against the TigrayPeople's Liberation Front (TPLF) following an attackon a federal militarybase, and the subsequent tensions that have arisen between the Government and the TPFL which, if remain unchecked, may escalate into a full-fledged armed conflict.
The Commission calls on both parties to stop the military offensive and engage in a dialogue with a view to finding lasting, peaceful and mutually acceptable solutions to their political problems.
The Commission also associates itself with the various strong condemnations concerning the situation in the Ethiopia, and calls on all stakeholders of the International Community to combine their efforts in order to quickly take appropriate measures needed to restore peace and security in Ethiopia.
The Commission further welcomes the African Union’s commitment and readiness toassist Ethiopia in its efforts to promote peace and stability in the country
The Commission continues to be seized of the situation.
Commissioner Mudford Zachariah Mwandenga, Commissioner Rapporteur for the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
