Opposition Parties, UN Agencies Sound Alarm Over Security Incidents, Civilian Safety in Ethiopia

UN agencies report tens of thousands fled to Kenya Opposition political parties and United Nations agencies have voiced mounting concern over civilian casualties, security incidents, and displacement across parts of Ethiopia, urging immediate measures to protect citizens, investigate reported violations, and ensure accountability amid ongoing regional violence. The Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (EZEMA), in a statement issued on October 27, expressed concern that the government has fallen short of its primary obligation to ensure public safety. EZEMA also criticized public media outlets, including the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), for omitting reports of civilian casualties following incidents in the Arsi Zone of the Oromia Region earlier in the month. Detailing multiple security challenges, the party noted that violence in Arsi, alongside recurring inter-communal clashes in the past months in Gambella and Moyale, has led to loss of life, displacement, and property damage. EZEMA called on federal authorities to take proactive steps to prevent further escalations, transparently investigate institutional shortcomings, and hold responsible parties accountable. Furthermore, the party urged human rights organizations to independently examine the incidents and called for greater public media scrutiny regarding the government’s crisis response. In a statement dated October 26, Enat Party similarly condemned violence, displacement, and targeted attacks affecting Orthodox Tewahedo believers, clergy, and religious institutions. The party appealed to federal and regional authorities to thoroughly investigate the violations, safeguard civilians, and prosecute perpetrators regardless of their official standing or political affiliation. It also encouraged international organizations, diplomatic missions, and human rights monitors to closely follow the situation, cautioning that it is prepared to organize peaceful public demonstrations under the slogan ‘Beka!’ (Enough!) if its demands for security and accountability remains unmet. Echoing these concerns, the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP) issued a statement condemning killings, abductions, and forced displacements in the Arsi Zone, specifically highlighting Shirka and Chole districts. Citing local information, the party reported multiple deaths, injuries, and the alleged abduction of approximately 50 individuals from their homes. The EPRP advocated for an independent international investigation, the safe release of abducted persons, humanitarian assistance for displaced populations, and legal action against those culpable. These developments align with findings from the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO), which documented a pattern of killings, injuries, abductions, and displacement across Oromia, Amhara, Gambella, and Benishangul-Gumuz in its annual human rights report covering June 2025 to June 2026. The council reiterated calls for regional and federal authorities to prioritize civilian protection and comprehensive investigations. While accountability for specific incidents remains heavily contested, Oromia Regional Government Communication Bureau Head Hailu Adugna characterized recent violence in the region as an attempt by an armed group referring to itself as ‘Tsmido’ to ignite ethnic and religious strife. Tsimdo refers to armed forces who claims to forge alliance against the government. Hailu expressed deep regret over the loss of lives and material damage resulting from the unrest. Concurrently, reports of active conflict and civilian casualties have emerged from the Amhara and Tigray regions. International media reported that drone strikes hit the Jari No. 2 displacement camp in the South Wollo Zone of the Amhara Region, resulting in a reported death toll including children—alongside numerous injuries requiring hospitalization. In the Tigray Region of Rama town, local residents reported a separate strike affecting a truck transporting sorghum, causing casualties among individuals gathered at the scene. Additional reports from October detailed airstrikes and drone activity in Adwa, Shire, and Sheraro, resulting in civilian deaths and damage to local infrastructure. The impact of the ongoing security challenges has also spilled across international borders. According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), clashes near the Ethiopian-Kenyan border have prompted thousands to cross into Kenya via Moyale since October 22. Local authorities estimate that up to 50,000 individuals have crossed, with registration and verification efforts ongoing. Many of those fleeing are women and children, finding temporary shelter in local schools, churches, or with host communities. In response, the UNHCR, alongside the International Organization for Migration (IOM), UNICEF, and the World Food Programme, has launched an appeal for USD8.9 million to provide essential humanitarian assistance to up to 50,000 displaced individuals over a three-month period. The IOM indicated that humanitarian partners are actively preparing for further arrivals. Addressing the broader climate of conflict, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized in a public statement that adherence to international law, addressing root causes, and pursuing political settlements remain the only viable pathways to sustainable peace. “Let’s summon the political will to silence the guns, stop the killing, and build a world where peace for all prevails,” he stated.