Disclaimer: This is an English translation of an Amharic article taken from VOA Amharic and is intended solely for information purposes.
VOA Amharic – Amhara people report security concerns following a call to surrender their private arms
October 29, 2024
Aster Misganaw
Amhara residents across six woredas in East Wollega Zone of Oromia Region said, “we have been asked to surrender arms we purchased to protect ourselves from militants, this will expose us to attacks.”
Amhara residents from various areas in the zone who spoke to Voice of America said they had purchased private arms with approval from the government to defend themselves from attacks by “Shene” or the Oromo Liberation Army.
Despite this, a disarmament campaign has been announced the day before yesterday, starting Sunday and today, Tuesday, October 29, 2024 (Tikimit 19, 2017 E.C.) is the final day.
The Oromia Region Government Communications Affairs Bureau Head Ato Hailu Adugna responded to VOA saying possession of firearms outside the militia or “Gachena Sirena” structures is prohibited.
In relation, he said work is underway to incorporate armed individuals into regular security structures. He said, “the government has done this in order to follow lawful practices and it is not to take away firearms.”
Leaders of the Oromo Liberation Army and Fano militants which are named in this reporting have previously issued statements rejecting allegations of similar crimes and targeting of civilians.
