Escalating Human Rights Violations Amid Political Unrest in West Hararge and West Wallaga
Published Aug. 21, 2025, 3:39 p.m. by FNN
Rising Tensions and Unlawful Detentions in Ciro, Najjo, and Lata Sibu
In the districts of Ciro, Najjo, and Lata Sibu, there has been a resurgence of violence and human rights abuses. According to local sources, the security forces of the Prosperity Party (PP) have been implicated in these abuses, contributing to the ongoing political unrest.
Renewed Tensions in West Hararge Zone
The West Hararge Zone, specifically in the Ciro district, has been a hotspot for renewed violence and human rights abuses. The grave incident that took place on August 16, 2025, has sparked outrage and calls for justice from the local community. Aliyyii Mohaammad Sayiid, a local farmer, and community member was reportedly detained by PP security forces at the district police station in Sheek Adam. He was held for two days without any formal charges. The community believes Sayiid's arrest was part of a broader campaign by the PP security forces to suppress political dissent. On August 18, 2025, Sayiid was reportedly moved to an undisclosed detention center. His body was discovered a day later, on August 19, 2025, in a nearby river. The local community was denied access to Sayiid's body by PP affiliated individuals, sparking widespread anger and grief. Sayiid was a respected farmer and a father in his community. His political affiliations with the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) were reportedly the reason for his arrest, according to local sources. The alleged involvement of PP security forces in Sayiid's death has led to an escalation of tensions in the Ciro district.
Rising Human Rights Concerns in West Wallaga
In the districts of Najjo and Lata Sibu in West Wallaga, citizens are reportedly facing detention and forced military recruitment by the PP forces. In the town of Sombo Dora in Najjo, a 60-year-old man named Obbo Taaffasaa Olaanaa and a young man, Ermiyaas Tashoomaa, were detained by PP military forces on August 17, 2025. They were accused of being "sons of the enemy," a term often used to label those suspected of supporting or being affiliated with the OLA. On the same day, a 15-year-old boy named Hiikaa Baqqalaa was also reportedly detained on similar grounds. These incidents have caused a significant rise in fear and tension among the residents of Najjo. Meanwhile, in the district of Lata Sibu, PP forces have reportedly increased their presence in the towns of Muraa Waankii and Sombo Sadan Giita. Over 200 young men have been detained and forced to join the military, a move that has been met with widespread condemnation.
Why Is This Important?
The Ethiopian government continues to extrajudicially murder civilians in Oromia with imputy. The escalating tension and ongoing human rights abuses in the West Hararge and West Wallaga zones underscore the need for a comprehensive and credible investigation into these incidents. The involvement of the Prosperity Party in these human rights abuses raises serious concerns about the government's commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of its citizens. The increasing arrests and forced recruitment into the military have caused fear and tension among the residents of these districts. The urgent need for political solutions that respect human rights and uphold the rule of law is more apparent than ever. The international community and human rights organizations should keep a close watch on the situation and advocate for the rights and safety of the citizens.
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