AU Chairperson 'strongly condemns' massacre at Ethiopian village
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Moussa Faki Mahamat, has strongly condemned the killing of innocent civilians following inter-communal violence in Ethiopia.
"The Chairperson extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishes speedy recovery to the wounded," a statement issued on Tuesday said.
Mr. Faki Mahamat also called on national authorities to ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are found and held accountable.
The statement said the Chairperson, noting the rise in inter-communal violence, called on all stakeholders to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and work towards de-escalating tensions in the country.
"He further encourages political actors to engage in an inclusive national dialogue and build a national consensus around key issues and stresses that failure to do so can have grave impacts not only in the country but the region as a whole."
Mr. Faki Mahamat reaffirmed the African Union’s support to the reforms initiated by the Government adding that it stands ready to assist Ethiopia in its efforts to promote peace and stability in the country.
At least 54 people were killed in attacks in a village in Ethiopia's Western Oromia region, Amnesty International said on Monday.
Amnesty International said the victims from the Amhara ethnic group were killed in an attack late on Sunday by suspected members of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) armed group.
The attack took place on Gawa Qanqa village in Guliso District of West Wellega Zone, a day after Ethiopian Defence Forces troops withdrew from the area unexpectedly and without explanation, Amnesty International said.
Witnesses said dozens of men, women and children were killed, property looted and what the militants could not carry away, they set on fire.
-0- PANA MA 3Nov2020
