After a months-long investigation, Reuters has uncovered disturbing actions carried out by a concealed security apparatus within Ethiopia’s largest and most populous region, Oromia. The focus of the report centers on an entity known as the “Koree Nageenyaa” or “Security Committee,” established after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed assumed office in 2018. The Committee, purportedly led by Shimelis Abdisa, the president of Oromia Regional State, includes senior security and civilian officials, according to Reuters’ investigative report.
The primary objective of the Committee, as outlined in the report, is to quell anti-government protests and unrest in Oromia, a region marked by the presence of armed groups. The investigative report, based on interviews with over 30 current and former Ethiopian officials and a review of relevant documents, reveals a disturbing narrative of a “brutal crackdown campaign” orchestrated by the Committee against government protesters and suspected sympathizers of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), also referred to as “Shene” by federal and regional authorities.
Milkessa Gemechu, a former member of the ruling Prosperity Party’s central committee, is among the sources interviewed. The specific allegations detailed in the report include dozens of extrajudicial killings allegedly ordered by the Committee and hundreds of warrantless detentions targeting individuals deemed “security threats.”
One of the highlighted instances of violence is the 2021 massacre of 14 elders from the Karayyuu tribe. While the government attributed the massacre to OLA fighters, the investigative report suggests that evidence indicates the Committee authorized security forces to carry out the slaughter. The killing of Karrayyu Gadaa leaders in the East Showa Zone of the Oromia region is also mentioned, with allegations of government forces’ involvement, contradicting the government’s attribution to OLA.
The report delves into the decision-making process leading to the point-blank shooting of the 16 Gadaa leaders in 2021. It sheds light on the alleged interference by the Committee in the justice system, resulting in prolonged detentions without cause. Additionally, the report documents accounts of detainees being subjected to torture methods, including electrocution, suspension, and beatings.
Judges and lawyers attempting to resist such interference, as highlighted in the report, have faced violent reprisals and intimidation. The Ethiopia Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is cited as having verified “the existence of the Committee” and indicated that it has documented extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and torture linked to the body.
Daniel Bekele, the chief commissioner of EHRC, is quoted in the report, stating that the Committee’s aim was initially to address growing security challenges in Oromiya. However, it is suggested that the Committee overreached its purpose by interfering in the justice system, leading to widespread human rights violations.
Surprisingly, the Oromia regional government has refrained from responding to Reuters’ requests for comment regarding the Committee and the allegations raised against it. The investigative report emphasizes that, while it couldn’t independently verify all specific allegations, clear patterns of abuse were evidenced throughout the investigation.
The revelations of the Reuters investigation add to the complexity of the ongoing situation in Ethiopia, where political tensions and ethnic strife have been escalating. The report not only brings to light alleged human rights abuses by a concealed security apparatus but also underscores challenges in maintaining justice and accountability within the region.
As the international community closely monitors developments in Ethiopia, the findings of this investigation raise concerns about the potential misuse of security apparatuses and the need for a thorough examination of the alleged human rights violations. The silence from the Oromia regional government adds to the urgency of addressing these allegations transparently and ensuring accountability for any wrongdoing.
In a broader context, the report highlights the delicate balance between maintaining security and protecting human rights in regions marked by political unrest. It prompts discussions about the role of security committees and the importance of their adherence to legal and ethical standards in addressing security challenges.
The allegations, if substantiated, not only tarnish the reputation of the security apparatus in Ethiopia but also pose significant challenges for the government in addressing the grievances of its citizens and fostering a climate of trust. The international community’s response and engagement in light of these findings may play a crucial role in influencing the course of events in Ethiopia and encouraging a commitment to human rights and justice.
