Human Rights Crisis in Oromia: Voices of the Guji Zone

By Ayele Addis Ambelu (ayeleradio@gmail.com)

The Guji zone of Oromia has been engulfed in a protracted conflict between government forces and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). This has resulted in significant human rights abuses, particularly affecting civilians who are forced to flee their homes to escape violence and persecution. One victim, a woman in her mid-twenties from Shakiso, shared the dire situation:

“We have been enduring a continuous lack of peace since the conflict began. Urban areas are patrolled by government forces, while rural areas are occupied by Oromo Liberation Army fighters. The conflict between the government and the Oromo Liberation Army forced us to flee our homes. Additionally, the recent restructuring of Goro Dola Woreda into the new East Borena zone from the former Guji zone has led to further displacement. This restructuring, carried out ten months ago, has exacerbated the displacement crisis. Living conditions are dire, especially for women, who face grave risks. Both the Oromo Liberation Army fighters in rural areas and government forces in urban areas are reported to be committing acts of sexual violence against women” .

Arbitrary Detention and Torture

Arbitrary arrests and prolonged detentions have become common, with many individuals enduring severe torture. This brutal practice not only violates Ethiopia’s constitutional prohibitions against torture but also inflicts immense physical and psychological suffering on the victims. The testimonies reveal a harrowing pattern of abuse:

“In violation of Ethiopia’s constitution, which enshrines the absolute prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, individuals in custody have endured torture, experiencing severe physical and mental pain and suffering” .

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

The conflict has created an environment where sexual violence against women is rampant. Both the government forces and OLA fighters are implicated in these heinous acts. A woman from Shakiso recounted the horrors faced by many women:

“When the Shane fighters come in the evening, they will take the wife in front of her husband, claiming they need her to style their hair. After taking the woman, they will rape her in team, regardless of whether she is married or not, for five, six, or even eight or nine times” .

Unlawful and Extrajudicial Killings

The conflict has led to numerous unlawful and extrajudicial killings, with both government forces and OLA fighters targeting civilians. One particularly tragic account comes from Boru Godana, a 25-year-old resident of Goro Dola district:

“In 2022, a clash between government forces and the OLA shattered his life. Caught in the crossfire, two of his brothers, aged 15 and 30, were tragically killed by government gunfire” .

Enforced Disappearance

The practice of enforced disappearances has added another layer of fear and suffering for families. Individuals are forcibly abducted, leaving their fate unknown and causing immense anguish for their loved ones. This cruel tactic is a gross violation of human rights, infringing on personal security and legal recognition.

Emotional and Psychological Violence

The pervasive violence and instability have taken a heavy toll on the mental health of affected populations. The constant threat of violence, loss of loved ones, and displacement have led to widespread emotional and psychological trauma.

Economic Destruction and Theft

The conflict has not only displaced people but also devastated their livelihoods. Many have lost their homes, livestock, and savings to looting and destruction. Dhadacha Borama, a father of fifty children, described his plight:

“I couldn’t go back to my home because it is still not safe. I am the father of a large family, relying on others for survival” .

The human rights situation in Oromia’s Guji zone is dire. The accounts of displacement, violence, and abuse highlight the urgent need for international attention and intervention. Immediate action is required to protect civilians, ensure accountability, and restore peace and stability to the region. The voices of the victims, such as those highlighted in this report, must be heard and their suffering addressed with compassion and justice.

The Guji zone of Oromia, Ethiopia, has been embroiled in a violent conflict between government forces and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), resulting in widespread human rights violations. This report delves into the harrowing experiences of the civilians caught in the crossfire, presenting their testimonies to shed light on the severity of the crisis.

Displacement and Disruption of Lives

Continuous Lack of Peace and Forced Displacement

The conflict has led to the forced displacement of thousands, disrupting lives and communities. The restructuring of administrative zones has exacerbated the crisis, pushing more people into precarious living conditions. A woman from Shakiso shared:

Economic Hardship

Displacement has not only uprooted families but also deprived them of their livelihoods. Many have lost their homes, land, and livestock, plunging them into severe poverty. Dhadacha Borama, a father of fifty children, described his plight:

“I couldn’t go back to my home because it is still not safe. I am the father of a large family, relying on others for survival.”

Arbitrary Detention and Torture

Arbitrary arrests and prolonged detentions are rampant, often accompanied by severe torture. The government forces are known to detain individuals without due process, subjecting them to inhumane treatment. One victim’s testimony highlights the brutal reality:

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

Rampant Sexual Violence

The conflict has created a perilous environment for women, who face sexual violence from both government forces and OLA fighters. A woman from Shakiso recounted the horrific experiences many women endure:

Impact on Women and Girls

The prevalence of sexual violence has profound and long-lasting impacts on the physical and psychological well-being of women and girls. It also disrupts families and communities, perpetuating a cycle of trauma and stigma.

Unlawful and Extrajudicial Killings

The conflict has resulted in numerous unlawful and extrajudicial killings, with both government forces and OLA fighters targeting civilians. Boru Godana, a 25-year-old resident of Goro Dola district, shared his tragic story:

“In 2022, a clash between government forces and the OLA shattered his life. Caught in the crossfire, two of his brothers, aged 15 and 30, were tragically killed by government gunfire.”

Enforced Disappearances

Enforced disappearances are a cruel tactic employed in the conflict, leaving families in anguish and uncertainty. Individuals are forcibly abducted, with their whereabouts unknown. This gross violation of human rights inflicts immense suffering on families, depriving them of closure and justice.

Emotional and Psychological Violence

Trauma and Mental Health

The constant threat of violence, loss of loved ones, and displacement have taken a severe toll on the mental health of the affected populations. The pervasive fear and instability have led to widespread emotional and psychological trauma.

Impact on Children

Children are particularly vulnerable, experiencing the horrors of conflict at a young age. The psychological impact on children is profound, affecting their development and future prospects.

Property Destruction and Economic Devastation

The conflict has led to widespread destruction of property, including homes, schools, and health facilities. Livestock raiding and looting have further impoverished communities, depriving them of their primary sources of income. A father of six from Goro Dola described the economic devastation:

“They raided our livestock, looted our homes, and burned our crops. We are left with nothing to sustain ourselves.”

Torture and Theft

Torture is commonly reported among detainees, who are subjected to brutal physical and mental abuse. Theft and looting by both government forces and OLA fighters have stripped communities of their possessions, exacerbating their suffering and vulnerability.

Acknowledgement: The report titled “Voice for Guji: Human Rights Violations in Oromia” prepared by The Center for the Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD) provides a comprehensive and harrowing account of the human rights abuses endured by civilians in the Guji zone of Oromia, Ethiopia. Compiled from first-hand testimonies and detailed observations, it documents the widespread displacement, arbitrary detentions, torture, sexual and gender-based violence, unlawful killings, and enforced disappearances resulting from the ongoing conflict between government forces and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). The report highlights the profound economic and psychological impacts on the affected populations, calling for urgent international intervention to address these severe violations and restore peace and stability to the region.