Report on attacks on Amhara residents of Anger Gutin in Gida Ayana Woreda (East Wollega Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia) by Federal and Oromia Regional Government forces between June 19-24, 2023
The Amhara Association of America (AAA) has verified that between June 19-24, 2023, multiple attacks were committed against Amhara residents in Anger Gutin town in Gida Ayana Woreda, located in the East Wollega Zone of the Oromia Region in Ethiopia. According to information gathered from residents, at least six residents were arrested, and three others were killed in a joint operation involving the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) and local Oromia Region forces.
Since June 19th, 2023, the perpetrators have been conducting sudden and arbitrary searches, intimidation, and physical abuse against the local residents. According to sources, ENDF personnel accuse residents of being Amhara Fano “extremist forces” and consequently subject them to attacks and abuses. Acting on suggestions from local administrative officials, the ENDF took actions against Amhara residents, including killings, beatings, arrests, and intimidation.
Sources said that on June 19, 2023, two residents of the town were arrested by authorities. Both individuals are ethnic Amharas, and their names are as follows:
Eshetu Kebede
Indris Hassen
On June 23, 2023, another incident took place in Anger Gutin town, specifically in a place called Kebele 13, which is located near the Anger River. During this incident, at least three residents were killed by the joint action of the ENDF and Oromia police. All of the victims were ethnic Amharas, and their names are as follows:
Jemal Melaku
Tazeb Tenagne
Derese Akale
The first deceased victim, Jemal Melaku, was shot and killed by Oromia police and members of the ENDF while leaving the mosque around 8 pm. He was a young man, estimated to be between 20-25 years old. Residents stated that Jemal had no political affiliations and was unarmed at the time of the shooting.
Tazeb Tenagne, another deceased individual, also had no political affiliation and was a young man. According to sources, the perpetrators first arrested Tazeb and forced him to lead them to his friend’s residence. When they reached the door of said house, they suddenly shot him from behind, killing him. Additionally, sources mentioned that even after shooting him dead, the perpetrators mutilated his body.
The third deceased victim, Derese Akale, was shot and killed by the attackers without warning. According to sources, Derese was a father of four children and was approximately between 40-45 years old.
Likewise, residents reported that four other Amhara residents were arrested on June 23 and 24, 2023. Their names are as follows:
Mehammud Mohammed Yimer
Adem Ibrahim
Mohammed Ali
Sayed Hassen
