Dejen Media (August 1)— Eight people lost their lives in an attack on Saturday at Dida, a kebele in East Meskan District, according to an announcement made by GOGOT, the Gurage Unity and Justice Party. The grim revelation comes amid a resurgent conflict that has claimed 18 lives in just 10 days across East Meskan and Marek districts.
The party has accused both the regional government and the administration of remaining “conspicuously” silent on the escalating conflict, leaving the people feeling “leaderless” in the face of the crisis.
In response, the Gurage Unity and Justice Party has demanded that government bodies step forward to explain the measures they are taking to address the violence. They are calling for accountability for those who failed to maintain peace and have also urged for the deployment of an “independent” security force to the area.
The unrest in the region is rooted in the demands of the Gurage people for regional autonomy status, which has sparked tension and led to scores of casualties.
GOGOT, the opposition political party, was established earlier this year with Mohammed Abrar chosen as its leader. Since its inception, the party’s leaders claim to have faced harassment and detentions, adding to the already volatile situation.
