Escalating Human Rights Abuses Amid Rising Political Tensions in West Wallaga Zone
Published Aug. 16, 2025, 10:23 a.m. by FNN
Reports of Atrocities by Prosperity Party Forces in Babbo Gambel District Heightens Concerns
Reports from Babbo Gambel, a district in the West Wallaga Zone, have depicted a grim picture of escalating human rights abuses allegedly perpetrated by forces associated with Ethiopia's ruling Prosperity Party (PP). Local sources indicate that these incidents, which began to intensify on August 16, 2025, mark a surge in the political tensions enveloping the region. According to these sources, PP forces have initiated a series of brutal assaults on the local populace. These include acts of physical violence, forced disappearances, and intimidation, purportedly aimed at quelling local opposition to the PP and instilling fear among the community. On August 6, 2025, a local farmer identified as Obbo Fiqaaduu Nagawoo was reportedly subjected to severe physical assault by PP forces. Nagawoo, who managed to survive the initial attack, was subsequently forcibly disappeared. His current whereabouts remain unknown. Local sources have reported this incident to the Oromia regional authorities, calling for an immediate investigation. These reports suggest that those involved in local political activities often fall victim to these brutalities. They are reportedly targeted for their opposition to the PP and their support for other political entities. Alarmingly, PP forces are said to have threatened victims with the slogan, "The Oromo Liberation Army will not save you," before subjecting them to physical violence. Moreover, economic coercion is reportedly being employed by PP forces as a part of their intimidation tactics. Victims are allegedly forced to pay a "protection fee" of 80,000 Birr under the threat of further violence. Those who are unable to pay this exorbitant fee are subjected to additional brutalities. Adding to the economic coercion, PP forces are also reported to be imposing a "release fee" of 100,000 Birr on those abducted and held in undisclosed locations. Those unable to afford this fee are reportedly subjected to further physical abuse and remain forcibly disappeared. This practice has engendered a climate of fear and insecurity in the region, with many families living in constant fear for the safety of their loved ones. The reports of escalating human rights abuses in the West Wallaga Zone occur against a backdrop of rising political tensions in the region. The PP's alleged brutal crackdown on local opposition and its apparent use of violence and economic coercion against civilians have been met with widespread condemnation. However, the situation continues to deteriorate, with the civilian population bearing the brunt of these violent tactics. These reports underscore the urgent need for an independent investigation into the human rights abuses in the West Wallaga Zone. It is imperative that those responsible for these brutalities are held accountable, and measures are put in place to protect the civilian population from further violence. The escalating violence and human rights abuses in the region highlight the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the political tensions. The international community must pay heed to the deteriorating situation and lend its support to efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful and just resolution to the crisis.
Similar posts:
Escalating Conflict and Human Rights Concerns in Oromia Amidst Political Tensions
West Wollega and Jima Zones See Escalating Human Rights Violations by Prosperity Party Forces
Escalation of Violence and Human Rights Concerns Loom in West Harargee
Oduulee FNN