Armed forces in Awassa accused of "illegal acts"

The Ethiopian government has been urged to crack down on dissident members of the armed forces who have been accused of indiscriminate killing and torture.

The Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO) claims that government security forces in Awassa, capital of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and People's Region (SNNPR), have persecuted the local population. Armed troops were sent into Awassa in May to restore calm after a bloody confrontation between a local ethnic group and police over local political changes.

But EHRCO argues that the armed forces are taking the law into their own hands and attacking local civilians. “Government armed forces have committed illegal acts against innocent citizens in Awassa," it said in a report.

“The special armed detachment that has been posted in the area has been committing illegal acts. This has been a threat to public security and safety in the area," it added.

“EHRCO has established that residents of Awassa town are, wherever they go, during evenings, being arrested, intimidated and mistreated by the special armed forces.

“As a result of the attacks by the special armed forces, two people have lost their lives, other
peaceful people have been clobbered and many others have been detained without due process of law,” the report stated.

During the disturbances in May at least 15 people were shot dead.