Coalition of Ethiopian Americans working together to advocate for the interests of the Ethiopian people, with a specific emphasis on human rights.
United States
Joined June 2021
- Tweets1.3K
- Following308
- Followers1.4K
- Likes1.4K
Pinned Tweet
'Ethiopian public Diplomacy Network' (EPDN) Letter to the Secretary General of the @UN (@antonioguterres)
RE: Crises in #Ethiopia
"The dire circumstances in Ethiopia needs immediate attention"
CC @JoeBiden, @MikeHammerUSA, @_AfricanUnion, @EUCouncil, @SenatorRisch, @SecBlinken
Ethiopian Public Diplomacy Network (EPDN HQ) retweeted
Thank you for exposing these atrocities. Reports that security forces refused to intervene because they had “no orders” demand urgent investigation. Who gave those orders—or withheld them? Oromia's leadership and Abiy Ahmed's administration must face independent scrutiny.
Many victims remain undocumented. We are preserving their stories, with more updates coming.
voices.ktinsight.com/
@SecRubio @StateDept
#Ethiopia #OrthodoxChristians #ReligiousPersecution
BREAKING: Local reports say at least 47 Orthodox Christians killed and homes burned in a late-night attack in Shirka Woreda, Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.
According to Borkena and local sources, the assault began around 10 PM across Birbo, Chole, and Sole Guna kebeles. Armed groups surrounded communities, opened fire, and set residences ablaze. Residents in Gobessa reportedly appealed for help from security forces but were told they had “not received orders"💔
This follows a documented pattern of recurring attacks on Orthodox Christian communities in East Arsi. EHRCO previously reported hundreds of civilians (mostly Orthodox) killed in the zone since 2021, alongside church damage, abductions, and displacement. Church leaders have repeatedly called for protection.
Rest in peace to all our brothers and sisters ✝️ who were unalived 😞.
#EndChristianGenocide
#EndChristianPersecution
#PrayersForEthopia
Ethiopian Public Diplomacy Network (EPDN HQ) retweeted
The slaughter of Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia’s Oromia region is an outrage.
More than 60 reportedly killed, including children. Homes burned. Families driven from their communities. The Church has warned repeatedly of these attacks, yet the killing continues.
The freedom to worship without fear is fundamental to human dignity. Those responsible must face justice, and the communities still under threat must be protected.
Canada must speak clearly in defence of religious freedom, wherever it is under assault.
bbc.com/news/articles/cm4g17…
Ethiopian Public Diplomacy Network (EPDN HQ) retweeted
More than 60 people have been killed in a series of attacks on Christians in Ethiopia's Oromia region, according to the country's Orthodox Church. bbc.in/4yNNMhw
Ethiopian Public Diplomacy Network (EPDN HQ) retweeted
Thank you, @CTVNationalNews, for covering this tragedy. But the suffering extends far beyond the dozens reported in this attack. Many Orthodox Christians have been killed or displaced in previous attacks, with countless stories still undocumented.
We urge deeper investigation into the recurring violence, the perpetrators, and possible government complicity.
We are working to give the voiceless a voice. More updates are coming.
voices.ktinsight.com/
@SecRubio @StateDept
#Ethiopia #OrthodoxChristians #ReligiousPersecution
Dozens killed in attack on Ethiopia Orthodox Christians ctvnews.ca/world/article/doz…
Ethiopian Public Diplomacy Network (EPDN HQ) retweeted
Where are the condemnations from entertainers, social media influencers, and Democrats so-called civil rights warriors?
Massacre of Christians leaves more than 40 dead in Ethiopia trib.al/uGZmqXr
Ethiopian Public Diplomacy Network (EPDN HQ) retweeted
More than 60 Christians killed in Ethiopia 'massacre', church official says bbc.in/4e11nug
Ethiopian Public Diplomacy Network (EPDN HQ) retweeted
Wow!! 👏👏 So, championing the suppression of free expression now, Rally Rasmas? How noble! I suppose freedom of expression is only worth defending when the opinions align with your own agenda. 🙄
Regardless of whom you serve or whose interests you are so passionately invested in, this is an absolute low—even by your standards. As a journalist, you’d think the bare minimum would be to defend the right to express ideas, not cheer on their suppression. Apparently, that expectation was a little too ambitious!
Honestly, I never thought I’d see the day when you’d be on the side of silencing voices rather than defending their right to speak. But here we are. You’ve truly outdone yourself this time—not in journalism, but in disappointing anyone who still expects principles from you.
What a spectacular way to undermine your own profession!
Ethiopian Public Diplomacy Network (EPDN HQ) retweeted
Dear Ambassador Massinga,
I recently read your interview in The Reporter about the situation in Ethiopia, and I was particularly struck by your statement that you are “happy to see a widening of the space for the international and domestic press.”
I appreciate that diplomacy requires tact, patience and careful judgment, especially in a country facing complex political and security challenges. Nevertheless, I hope you will forgive my asking how this encouraging assessment can be reconciled with some deeply troubling reports from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
According to CPJ's report of August 13, 2026, five Ethiopian journalists—Gobeze Sisay, Meskerem Abera, Genet Asmamaw, Dawit Begashaw and Abay Zewdu—have spent approximately three years in detention awaiting trial.
More concerning still, CPJ reported, citing their lawyer, Solomon Gezahagn, that prison officials pressured the journalists to admit involvement in an insurgency and sign apology letters in exchange for their release. The journalists reportedly refused, regarding the proposed statements as self-incriminating.
If convicted, they could face life imprisonment or the death penalty. Naturally, the charges must be assessed through fair legal proceedings, and the allegations concerning their treatment deserve independent investigation.
CPJ has also reported the detention and alleged assault of Addis Standard editor-in-chief Yonas Kedir, alongside a raid on the newsroom and the destruction of equipment.
Against this background, I find myself wondering whether we are witnessing two rather different understandings of press freedom. Perhaps the space for journalism is indeed widening in certain respects, but it must be difficult for journalists who have spent years in detention to appreciate this progress from their prison cells. One hopes that, eventually, they too will be able to experience some of this widening space.
I was also interested in your comparison with the United States during its Civil War. America's historical record of censorship, newspaper suppression and the arrest of editors is certainly relevant. Yet surely the lesson of that history is that governments must be scrutinized most carefully when they invoke national security to restrict civil liberties. History can help us understand why governments resort to such measures, but it should not become a convenient reason to overlook them when they occur elsewhere.
May I therefore ask whether you have raised the cases of these five journalists directly with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government? If so, what specific steps have you encouraged the authorities to take to ensure fair proceedings, protect the journalists' safety and address the concerns raised by CPJ?
I would also be interested to know what independently verifiable evidence supports your assessment that press freedom is widening in Ethiopia. Are there measurable improvements in the treatment of journalists, their access to conflict areas, the independence of media regulation or protection against arbitrary detention?
I fully appreciate that diplomacy often takes place behind closed doors, and I recognize the value of private engagement. However, while 90 percent of diplomacy may happen outside the public eye, the consequences of its success—or lack thereof—are often experienced very publicly by those whose rights are at stake. It would therefore be reassuring to know what tangible results this engagement is producing.
My questions are offered respectfully and in the spirit of constructive engagement. I do not underestimate the complexities of your responsibilities, nor do I suggest that every allegation should be accepted without investigation. But surely a commitment to press freedom must include a willingness to acknowledge serious reported abuses, even when doing so may complicate diplomatic relations.
Respectfully,
Ethiopian Public Diplomacy Network (EPDN HQ) retweeted
#Ethiopia 🇪🇹 Journalist Abay Zewdu is due to appear in court on October 16, after spending more than three years behind bars on terrorism charges that could carry the death penalty if he’s convicted.
Abay, arrested on August 10, 2023, for his reporting on the conflict in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, remains in prolonged pretrial detention. The court has yet to determine whether the prosecution has sufficient evidence for his case to proceed.
Recently, Abay refused pressure to sign an apology letter admitting wrongdoing and pledging to stop journalism. He remains behind bars despite his refusal.
CPJ calls on Ethiopian authorities to immediately release Abay and stop criminalizing journalism.
Read more: cpj.org/data/people/abay-zew…
Ethiopian Public Diplomacy Network (EPDN HQ) retweeted
AMERICAN ETHIOPIAN PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (AEPAC)
URGENT APPEAL FOR THE RELEASE OF ETHIOPIAN JOURNALISTS AND PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE
The American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee (AEPAC) is deeply concerned about the prolonged detention, reported coercion, and alleged mistreatment of Ethiopian journalists and prisoners of conscience. We are particularly concerned about reports of deteriorating health, harsh detention conditions, and pressure on detainees to admit guilt.
We believe that every person deserves dignity, humane treatment, access to necessary medical care, and a fair judicial process. We call on Ethiopian authorities, the United States government, and the international community to take urgent and meaningful action to protect lives, uphold fundamental freedoms, and ensure respect for the rule of law.
1. Immediate Release of Journalist Abay Zewdu
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), journalist Abay Zewdu has been detained since August 10, 2023, in connection with his reporting on the conflict in Ethiopia’s Amhara region. He faces terrorism charges that could carry the death penalty if convicted.
Reports that he has been pressured to sign an apology admitting wrongdoing and pledge to abandon journalism are deeply troubling. Journalists must be able to carry out their professional responsibilities without intimidation, retaliation, or pressure to abandon their work.
We join CPJ in calling for Abay Zewdu’s immediate release and urge Ethiopian authorities to respect press freedom and protect journalists from intimidation and arbitrary detention.
Freedom of expression is protected under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Ethiopia is a party. Restrictions on this right must comply with international law.
2. Dr. Wondwossen Assefa: Urgent Concerns for His Health and Safety
We are deeply concerned about the reported health deterioration of Dr. Wondwossen Assefa, who has reportedly spent approximately three years in detention.
Reports indicate that he was transferred to a prison facility with harsher conditions after refusing to sign a letter admitting guilt. These allegations raise serious concerns about possible coercion, punitive treatment, and respect for due process.
No detainee should be subjected to mistreatment or pressured into signing a confession. Every person deprived of liberty must be treated humanely, protected from abuse, and provided with necessary medical attention.
We call on Ethiopian authorities to release Dr. Wondwossen Assefa immediately, ensure that he receives urgent and independent medical care, and take all necessary steps to protect his health, safety, and dignity. Given the reported deterioration of his condition, we believe immediate intervention is essential.
3. Immediate Release of All 28 Detainees
We are also deeply concerned about the 28 detainees who have reportedly spent approximately three years in detention without their guilt being established through a fair judicial process.
Prolonged detention raises serious concerns about personal liberty, access to justice, and the right to a fair hearing. It also places an enormous emotional and financial burden on detainees and their families.
We call on Ethiopian authorities to review these cases urgently and take immediate steps toward a fair and humane resolution.
As an immediate humanitarian measure, we urge the authorities to release all 28 detainees on bail into the care of their families while the necessary procedures for their unconditional release are completed.
All detainees whose health has been affected must receive timely and appropriate medical attention. Their families should not have to endure further uncertainty about the safety and well-being of their loved ones.
4. International Human Rights and Legal Obligations
The reported circumstances raise concerns under international human rights law, particularly the following instruments:
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
Ethiopia is a party to the ICCPR. Relevant protections include:
• Article 7: Prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
• Article 9: Protects against arbitrary arrest and detention.
• Article 10: Requires humane treatment and respect for the dignity of persons deprived of liberty.
• Article 14: Guarantees fair-trial protections, including safeguards against compelled self-incrimination.
• Article 19: Protects freedom of expression.
Convention against Torture (CAT)
Ethiopia is also a party to the Convention against Torture, which prohibits torture and requires measures to prevent it. Article 16 addresses other acts of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment within the Convention’s scope.
We call on Ethiopian authorities to uphold these international obligations, investigate credible allegations of mistreatment, provide necessary medical care, respect fair-trial guarantees, and protect freedom of expression.
5. Urgent Appeal to the U.S. Embassy and Secretary of State Marco Rubio
We respectfully appeal to the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa to bring these cases to the immediate attention of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and engage Ethiopian authorities through appropriate diplomatic channels.
We ask Secretary Rubio and the U.S. government to:
• Advocate for the immediate release of journalist Abay Zewdu and the protection of press freedom in Ethiopia.
• Call for the immediate release of Dr. Wondwossen Assefa, ensuring urgent medical care and protection from further harm.
• Urge the release on bail of all 28 detainees while arrangements for their unconditional release are completed.
• Raise concerns about reported coercion, harsh detention conditions, and possible mistreatment, and call for independent investigations where warranted.
• Urge respect for Ethiopia’s international human rights obligations, including protections against arbitrary detention, torture, cruel treatment, and unjustified restrictions on freedom of expression.
We believe constructive diplomatic engagement can help prevent further harm, protect fundamental freedoms, and encourage respect for human dignity. We ask the United States government to give these cases the serious and timely attention they deserve.
A CALL FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION
The reported circumstances surrounding these detentions raise serious concerns about due process, freedom of expression, arbitrary detention, and protection against inhumane treatment.
Journalism is not a crime. Peaceful dissent is not a crime. No one should be forced to confess to secure freedom or be denied essential medical care while in detention.
We believe protecting human rights is a shared responsibility. Governments, diplomatic institutions, civil society organizations, and the international community all have a role to play in safeguarding human dignity and ensuring justice.
The American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee (AEPAC) remains committed to strengthening U.S.–Ethiopia relations on the basis of mutual respect, shared interests, democracy, accountability, and human dignity.
In that spirit, we call on Ethiopian authorities to act without further delay, and we urge the United States and the international community to use appropriate diplomatic channels to help protect lives, uphold justice, and reunite detainees with their families.
We ask all relevant authorities to take these concerns seriously and respond with the urgency, compassion, and humanity that these circumstances require.
Justice delayed must not become lives lost.
@WhiteHouse @StateDept @USEmbassyAddis @UAEthio @UNOSAPG @VP @realDonaldTrump
@TheIRD, @StateDRL, @AsstSecStateAF, @richghazal,
@markdtooley, @OrthodoxyNews,
@USEmbassyAddis,@indefchristians,
@RepJohnJames,@housegop, @Repsarajacobs,
@YoungKimCA, @RepJimBaird, @CongressmanKean,
@RepMillsPress, @RepGaramendi,
@jakejsullivan, @IMFNews, @StateDept, @JusticeOfficeUS,
@WorldBank, @WorldBankAfrica,
@StateIRF, @USCIRF, @IrfSecretariat, @Sean_ADFIntl,
@michaelgwaltz,@RepMarkWalker,@RepRileyMoore,@TomColeOk04,@HouseAppropsGOP,@LaurenBinDC,@SecRubio
Ethiopian Public Diplomacy Network (EPDN HQ) retweeted
.@SecRubio spoke with Ethiopian Prime Minister @AbiyAhmedAli on the need to deescalate tensions with Eritrea.
The only sustainable solution to internal and external tensions is achieved through dialogue and engagement as agreed to in the 2018 Ethiopia-Eritrea peace framework.
Ethiopian Public Diplomacy Network (EPDN HQ) retweeted
Rubio's version of this call is very different from Abiy's version. Rubio warned Abiy (and others) to refrain from "cross-border incursions" and to de-escalate the conflict with Eritrea because the region can't tolerate more war. (Abiy's version makes no mention of any of this.)
I held a very fruitful telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State @marcorubio on key bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.
Our discussion is proof to the commitment of both countries in translating the enduring relationship between Ethiopia and the United States into a more strategic and practical partnership.
I welcome the assurance of continued U.S. support for Ethiopia and our shared commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation and addressing regional and multilateral priorities.
Ethiopian Public Diplomacy Network (EPDN HQ) retweeted
The Tigray conflict puts the UAE’s backing of Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic role under scrutiny.
aljazeera.com/news/2026/10/1…
Ethiopian Public Diplomacy Network (EPDN HQ) retweeted
Dear all: Please set aside about 10 minutes to review the materials and, if you have relevant evidence or firsthand knowledge, submit a report. Our purpose is to report suspected crimes, including looting in a person’s home country, and help authorities hold those responsible accountable.
See below the sample letter I prepared and two photographs. I and other Ethiopian diaspora members have copies of the video and are willing to explain what we know about its source and authenticity.
The reporting website does not accept video uploads. You can provide relevant correspondence, exchanges with the individual, photographs, PDFs, or other supporting evidence in the formats and quantity permitted by the upload form. Mention the video in your report and explain how investigators can obtain it.
The DHS ICE Tip Form accepts anonymous tips. If you identify yourself, include your contact details, relevant links, and whether you are based in the United States or Canada. Report accurately and distinguish firsthand knowledge from allegations.
To the Department of Homeland Security: How does the United States tolerate a self-confessed criminal bleeding American taxpayers’ money through Medicare and Medicaid?
I request an investigation into Habtamu Gurmu Chala, known on X as @Habtishgreat, his reported connection to True Care Inc. in Alabama, and whether that organization receives Medicare or Medicaid payments.
The central evidence is a recording recaptured from a publicly available video on X. According to my understanding, Mr. Chala describes himself as a criminal and states that he looted approximately 15 million from Wegagen Bank, a private bank in Ethiopia. Authorities should verify the amount, currency, context, and circumstances.
The recording has not been independently authenticated. Some Ethiopian diaspora members who have followed Mr. Chala for years say they can identify his voice and testify about that identification. They are native Amharic speakers and can assist with translating the recording, which is primarily in Amharic with some English. Authorities should independently authenticate it and verify the translation.
The reporting website does not accept video uploads. The recording can be made available to investigators through an accepted method.
The supplied business information identifies TRUE CARE INC., NPI 1124687389, and names HABTAMU GURMU as its authorized official and executive director. Authorities should confirm whether this is the same individual and examine relevant public-program payments. A business listing alone does not establish Medicare or Medicaid funding or misuse.
Government business listing: mh.alabama.gov/at_biz_dir/__… request review of any applicable asylum application and interview records. Form I-589, Part B, Question 2, addresses accusations, charges, arrests, detention, interrogation, convictions, sentencing, and imprisonment outside the United States. It is not limited to convictions.
Knowingly and willfully making a materially false statement to a federal asylum officer can constitute an offense under 18 U.S.C. § 1001. Authorities should determine whether any statement met those requirements. The recording alone does not establish what he disclosed during the asylum process.
I also request investigation of allegations of harassment of Ethiopian diaspora members, including posting private or intimate family photographs. Relevant restraining orders, court records, and firsthand witness accounts should be examined.
Photographs reportedly showing him at federal police headquarters in Addis Ababa should be reviewed for authenticity, date, context, and relevance to any persecution claims. You can report anonymously or provide your contact details and relevant links through the Department of Homeland Security’s ICE Tip Form. tips.uscis.gov
@ALMentalHealth @almentalh @SteveMarshallAL @ICEgov @elonmusk @DHSgov @SecMullinDHS @USCIS @USCISJoe @HSI_HQ @FBI @FBIMobileAL @madisonpoliceAL @AlabamaDHR @GovernorKayIvey @LauraLoomer @IngrahamAngle @frontlineendfgm @nickshirleyy @jeffpropulsion @Annashire2 @KidistBirru
Ethiopian Public Diplomacy Network (EPDN HQ) retweeted
To: Alabama Department of Mental Health @ALMentalHealth
Cc: Alabama Attorney General’s Office @SteveMarshallAL
Subject: Urgent Follow-Up Complaint Regarding Continued Harassment and Serious Safeguarding Concerns
Dear Officials;
I am writing to follow up on my previous complaint concerning Mr. #Habtamu_Gurmu_Chala and his reported association with True Care Inc. His continued public harassment of Ethiopian diaspora members, particularly women, raises serious questions about professional ethics, safeguarding, and accountability.
This morning, Mr. Chala published yet another vulgar and personally degrading statement targeting a Canadian author and a woman from the Ethiopian diaspora, making explicit sexual insinuations and falsely suggesting a personal relationship between individuals who have no such association. These individuals appear to be targeted because of their political opinions and their exercise of freedom of expression in democratic societies. Such conduct raises deeply troubling concerns about harassment and intimidation. I am attaching the statement as further evidence.
My concerns extend beyond online misconduct. I have previously raised allegations concerning his apparent endorsement of female genital mutilation, statements celebrating the castration of boys in Ethiopia, and his account of his father’s alleged involvement in castrating a young boy. These disturbing statements warrant independent examination. I also request that any credible concerns involving the safety of children be referred to the appropriate child protection authorities for assessment.
I am additionally attaching an Amharic audio recording in which I understand Mr. Chala to acknowledge looting millions of Ethiopian birr from Ethiopia. I am available to assist with translation, voice identification, and contextual interpretation so investigators can independently assess the recording and its implications.
It is profoundly alarming that someone facing allegations of this seriousness may hold responsibilities involving Alabama’s most vulnerable residents. I respectfully request that the relevant authorities verify his professional association, review the evidence, assess any implications for his suitability for caregiving responsibilities, and take appropriate action where warranted.
I will continue documenting every incident of harassment and submitting evidence through lawful channels. Freedom of expression must not become a license for intimidation, sexual humiliation, or targeted harassment. These concerns deserve serious, impartial investigation and accountability to the fullest extent permitted by law.
I remain available to cooperate fully with any official investigation.
@ALMentalHealth @almentalh @SteveMarshallAL @ICEgov @elonmusk @DHSgov @SecMullinDHS @USCIS @USCISJoe @HSI_HQ @FBI @FBIMobileAL @madisonpoliceAL @AlabamaDHR @GovernorKayIvey @LauraLoomer @IngrahamAngle @frontlineendfgm @nickshirleyy @jeffpropulsion @Annashire2 @KidistBirru
Ethiopian Public Diplomacy Network (EPDN HQ) retweeted
🚨 Hundreds of ENDF soldiers killed and captured as Fano takes seven towns across North Shewa Zone
Fano forces under the AFNM Asamnew 5th Command have taken control of at least seven towns across North Shewa Zone, Amhara Region, following a coordinated offensive against ENDF forces.
The towns captured include Zemero in Menz Keya, Mehal Meda in Menz Gera Midir, Rema, Wogere, Meragna, Jihur and Ancheqorer, in addition to several smaller towns and surrounding areas.
Hundreds of ENDF soldiers were reported killed or captured as Fano forces overran positions across multiple fronts.
The advances represent a significant expansion of territory under the control of the AFNM across Amhara region.
🚨 Fano captures ENDF 87th Division commander Colonel Tesfaye as three days of fighting continue in Mekane Selam
Fano forces under the AFNM Menelik and Tewodros Commands captured Colonel Tesfaye, commander of the ENDF’s 87th Division, on October 5 during a joint offensive in Mekane Selam, South Wollo Zone.
The capture came on the third consecutive day of fighting after Fano forces advanced into Mekane Selam and broke through defensive positions held by the 87th Division of the 203rd Corps under the ENDF’s 11th Command, along with other units deployed in the area.
The latest development follows earlier fighting in which more than 60 ENDF personnel, including two company commanders and six squad leaders, were reported captured in the Mekane Selam area.
Ethiopian Public Diplomacy Network (EPDN HQ) retweeted
🚨 Oromia Region Gada Commando forces kill 17 Amhara civilians, including children, in attack on East Wollega IDP camp
Seventeen displaced Amhara civilians were killed in a nighttime attack on the Tulu Gana IDP camp in Gida Ayana Woreda, East Wollega Zone, Oromia Region, on October 7. The victims included 13-year-old children and elderly residents as old as 75, according to local sources.
Oromia Region security forces and Gada Commando members entered the displacement camp and carried out the attack, according to local accounts. The bodies of those killed had not yet been recovered, while several people who fled during the night remained missing. Children also fled into a nearby river in panic, raising fears that some may have been swept away.
The victims were Amhara residents who had fled their homes in August because of the war and threat of attacks in the area and had sought refuge at the Tulu Gana camp. They had reportedly received no emergency humanitarian assistance before the attack.
Other IDP camps in the nearby Anger Mado area were also reported to be under heavy siege, leaving displaced residents trapped and facing severe danger. Local sources described the attack as a “planned and coordinated genocidal massacre.”
🚨 At least 121 civilians killed, 293 missing, 60,000 displaced and 1,119 homes destroyed in 12 days of attacks by @AbiyAhmedAli regime forces in Gida Ayana Woreda, East Wollega Zone
12 consecutive days of attacks systematically carried out by Oromia security forces against ethnic Amhara and Tigrayan residents has resulted in the following casualties:
Human casualties
▪️People killed: More than 121 civilians, ranging from a six-month-old infant to an 85-year-old elderly person, have been killed.
▪️Church servants: Seven church servants—including an Aba Qomos, priests, clergy, deacons, and monks—were beaten and/or killed.
▪️Missing persons: The whereabouts of 293 people remain unknown.
▪️Displacement: More than 60,000 displaced people are currently sheltering in just four displacement camps. This figure does not include those who have fled to Addis Ababa, Nekemte, and other areas.
Destruction of institutions
▪️Churches: Eleven churches have been completely or partially destroyed.
▪️Communities displaced: Most residents of 15 villages and small towns have been displaced.
Destruction and looting of property
▪️Villages: Five villages have been completely or partially burned.
▪️Homes: 1,119 residential homes have been completely or partially destroyed, looted, or burned.
▪️Grain and property: More than 40 grain-storage facilities have been looted or destroyed.
▪️Livestock: More than 15,700 cattle, pack animals, goats, and sheep have been driven away (looted).
▪️Vehicles: More than 20 vehicles and motorcycles have been looted or burned.
▪️Property estimated to be worth billions of birr has been destroyed.
Ethiopian Public Diplomacy Network (EPDN HQ) retweeted
Lying on a hospital bed, rolled-up blankets propping up the remains of her legs, 10-year-old double-amputee Iyerusalem is among scores of civilians wounded in northern Ethiopia after fighting erupted last month. u.afp.com/S9FU
Ethiopian Public Diplomacy Network (EPDN HQ) retweeted
The African Union Peace and Security Council cannot wait for mass atrocities to unfold or for a surge in civilian casualties before placing Ethiopia on the agenda.
They must urgently convene an emergency session on Ethiopia!
amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2…
