At least 66 killed in recurring conflicts in Konso zone in Nov., EHRC says

Addis Ababa, December 25, 2020 (FBC) –The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said at least 66 people were killed in the series of conflicts that recurred in Konso zone, SNNP regional state, from November 10th to November 21st, 2020.

The Commission today released findings of an investigation carried out from November 22 -November 25, 2020 in Haybena and Ayde Kebeles, as well as the cities of Arba Minch, Gidole and Karat.

According to the Commission, 39 people were also injured, several houses and other property burned and more than 100,000 people displaced due to the conflicts.

The conflicts which resulted in gruesome killings, injuries, displacement and property destruction, show that the human rights problems in the area still awaits sustainable resolution, the Commission said.

The Commission recommended corrective measures to be taken after the appropriate investigation into officials within government structures, who, directly or indirectly, inflame, aid or aggravate the conflicts or fail in their duties to protect civilians.

Improving the measures to control the reportedly increasing transfers of illegal firearms in the Konso zone area is also critical part of the ongoing efforts to prevent further conflicts, it added.