While returning from a mission in Addis Ababa, two employees of Catholic Relief Services were tragically killed on Sunday, Apr. 9. However, the identities of those responsible were still unknown.
Tragic Death of Catholic Relief Services' Staff
Catholic News Agency reported that the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is a Catholic organization that provides relief to people in over 100 countries worldwide. On Monday, Apr. 10, CRS spokesman Zemede Zewdie expressed devastation to report the death of two of their staff: Chuol Tongyik, 37, a security manager, and Amare Kindeya, 43, a driver. "The depth of our shock and sorrow is difficult to measure, and we are saddened over this senseless violence," he added.
They extend their sympathies to Chuol and Amare's families and pray they can find the strength they need to overcome this difficult time. CRS reaffirms its dedication to supporting the Ethiopian people by continuing current programs.
Moreover, due to a decision made by the federal government to dismantle regional special forces groups, violence in anti-government demonstrations broke out in the Amhara region in Ethiopia, which led to the deaths of several people.
According to the decision, the special forces units stationed in the country's 11 regions must be incorporated into the police or the federal army. However, a significant portion of the populace opposes this initiative.
Disbanding Amhara's special forces would reportedly expose the region to attacks from neighboring regions, particularly Tigray, whose leaders signed an agreement with the central government in November 2022 to stop a two-year war that killed thousands of victims.
As per the Voa News, Reuters' requests for comment on the killings were not immediately met with a response from either the Amhara regional government or the Ethiopian federal government's spokespersons.
Over the weekend, riots and gun battles broke out in several towns besides Kobo. These towns included Woldiya and Sekota and persisted in several locations on Monday, Apr. 10.
Furthermore, in a nation with a protracted history of interethnic strife, the decision made by the government to incorporate the regional special forces into the national army is an effort to foster national unity and create "a strong centralized army." Ethiopia's Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed has promised that the new strategy will be implemented regardless of the violence.
Also Read:At Least 500 Ethiopian Christians Slaughtered Since June
Violence in the Amhara Region in Ethiopia
Based on a report from Wion, a resident of Kombolcha who spoke on the condition of confidentiality stated that federal soldiers attempted to arrest regional troops, which prompted protestors to step in. He claimed to have seen the bodies of five persons who had been shot to death and ten others who had been injured.
According to a doctor, at least 12 of those injured in the incident in Kombolcha were brought to a hospital in Dessie. The doctor also mentioned that he had heard that others had passed away.
However, the number of people killed due to the violence is still unknown. An explosion also occurred in a pub in Bahir Dar, the region's capital. A police officer said that it resulted in the deaths of two persons and injuries to several others. It was unclear what triggered the explosion or if it had any connection to the protests that were taking place.
Related Article: Tigray Christians ‘Puzzled’ With International Community’s Inaction on Ongoing Civil War in Ethiopia
