Gambela conflict

Last updated
The Gambela Region within Ethiopia Gambela in Ethiopia.svg
The Gambela Region within Ethiopia

The Gambela conflict refers to sporadic conflicts in the Gambela Region of Ethiopia between armed groups of the indigenous Anuak people with armed groups of the Nuer people, and the Ethiopian military. [1] Following resettlement policies implemented by the Derg regime in the 1980s, a number of ethnic conflicts have taken place between the Anuak people indigenous to much of the Gambela region, and other groups which were resettled in the region. [1] Following the collapse of the Derg regime, persistent ethnic tensions in the region have occasionally exploded into open conflict. [1] Such conflict erupted in the early to mid 2000s, coinciding with an increase in petroleum extraction in the region, and led to a number of incidents resulting in the large-scale deaths of civilians. [1] The Ethiopian military has intervened to combat Anuak militias. [1]

Contents

Anuak activists have claimed that ethnic Anuaks in Ethiopia have suffered from torture, indiscriminate killings, looting, and discrimination from various other minority militias operating in the country, as well as from the Ethiopian government itself. [2] [3] [4] The Ethiopian government has denied that its military was involved in attacks on Anuaks, and instead attributed violence in the region to local ethnic militias. [5] Others have alleged that Anuak militias have committed human rights abuses against other groups, such as killing Nuer civilians. [6] [7]

Background

The Anuak people are one of the more than eighty ethnic groups in Ethiopia. Their villages are scattered along the rivers of southeastern Sudan and western Ethiopia. [8] They speak a Nilotic language known as Dha Anywaa, which is spoken by several Anuaks in Ethiopia. For the most part, they are herdsmen and farmers and they practice mainly Animism, however there are small groups of Christian adherents.[ citation needed ] Currently there are around 300,000 Anuaks in Ethiopia.[ citation needed ] Historically, the Anyuak kingdom used to be a federation of villages headed by an independent Nyie. These villages were constantly feuding among themselves for the control of the Ocwak – the royal throne and bead. Traditionally, the Anyuak wear large amounts of beads and other artifacts like the tail of giraffe.

Issues

The Anuaks have many neighbor ethnic groups including the Ajiebo Murle, Nuer, Dhuok Suri, the Oromo, and Amhara (the highlanders). Their relationship with other ethnic groups is usually hostile and violent, especially with the Nuer who have pushed them to the east. [9] There are many natural resources in western Ethiopia and adding more fuel to the violence is the more than eight languages spoken by other groups around the Anuak land. [10]

Militant activities

After the EPRDF government came to power in 1991 it ruled the area through local parties, but real power was still in the hands of the local highlanders. And ethnic conflicts occur between the highlanders and the Anuaks, sometimes bringing in the Nuers as well. [11] These ethnic problems began in the 1980s - when the previous Derg government used forced resettlement to bring about 50,000 people from Ethiopia's exhausted central highlands suffering drought to the fertile, but swampy, malaria-infested Gambella region where the Anuaks and Nuers live. [12] The Anuak rebels also attack miners and economic development workers in Gambela. In 2004 the militants killed three government refugee workers and attacked a United Nations vehicle. [13]

In October, 2005 Anuak rebels attacked four police officers and prison wardens. Along with this attack the Anuak militants targeted the police station and prison to free many jailed rebel fighters. [14] They also wounded six other men and murdered the Gambella Regional police commissioner. [15]

Attacks on Nuers

Nuer are mostly refugees that moved east away from the Sudanese civil wars and sheltered in Ethiopia for several decades. They number in thousands and live in the Gambela Region of Ethiopia. Despite the attempt of the regional government to keep peace, Anuak rebels continue to attack Nuers. In August 2002, two Nuer men were stabbed several times by a group of Anuak youth in and around Gambella’s main market. Also in 2002, a hand grenade thrown onto a passenger Isuzu truck, full of Nuers traveling to Lare in Jikawo woreda, killing two instantly and wounding 18. One of the victims later died in hospital from his wounds. [16] The attack took place at the Mobil fuel station in the middle of Gambela town. The attacker who was also wounded in the process was later held by the army and allegedly confessed that he was part of a bigger group organized to eliminate the Nuers. The plan was originally envisaged to attack the Nuer during the Ethiopian New Year celebration. A hand grenade was also thrown into a dormitory at the Teachers’ training College wounding six ethnic Nuer Sudanese refugees, one of them seriously. [17] Same day a group of Anuak coming as far as the Abobo woreda attacked the Nuer settlement at Ochom for the second time, wounding four people, but killing 35 sheep, six cows and unspecified number of goats. Four households were burned down. Among the assailants, unspecified number was killed or wounded. Later in 2002, five Nuer men who went to cut bamboo for roofing on the road to the Anfillo woreda in the Oromia Region were ambushed, killing two and wounding one; the survivors identified their attackers as Anuaks. The perpetrators are still at large.

In June 2006, Anuak militants attacked a bus travelling from Addis Ababa to Gambela and killed fourteen passengers. Around 40 more people were injured and wounded in the attack. [18]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gambela Region</span> Regional state in western Ethiopia

The Gambela Region, officially the Gambela Peoples' Region, is a regional state in western Ethiopia, bordering South Sudan. Previously known as Region 12, its capital is Gambela. The Region is situated between the Baro and Akobo Rivers, with its western part including the Baro River.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gambela (city)</span> Capital of Gambela Region, Ethiopia

Gambela, also spelled Gambella, is a city and separate woreda in Ethiopia and the capital of the Gambela Region. Located in Anyuak Zone, at the confluence of the Openo River and its tributary the Jajjabe, the city has a latitude and longitude of 8°15′N34°35′E and an elevation of 526 meters. It is surrounded by Gambella Zuria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anuak people</span> Luo Nilotic ethnic group in the East Africa

The Anyuak, also known as Anyuaa and Anywaa, are a Luo Nilotic ethnic group inhabiting parts of East Africa. The Anuak belong to the larger Luo family group. Their language is referred to as Dha-Anywaa. They primarily reside in the Gambela Region of western Ethiopia, and South Sudan. Group members number between 200,000 and 300,000 people worldwide. Many of the Anyuak people now follow Christianity. It is one of the first of the Nilotic groups to become almost entirely Christian, following the Shilluk people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gambela People's Democratic Movement</span> Former political party in Ethiopia (2003–2019)

The Gambela Peoples’ Democratic Movement, also known as the Gambela People’s Democratic Movement or Gambella Peoples’ Unity Democratic Movement, was a political party in the Gambela Region of Ethiopia. It was the regional ally of the ruling EPRDF coalition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Administrative Zone 3 (Gambela)</span> Former administrative region of Gambela Region, Ethiopia

Administrative Zone 3 is a former administrative subdivision of the Ethiopian Region of Gambela. This zone was bordered by Sudan on the south, west and north, by Administrative Zone 1 on the east and Administrative Zone 2 on the southeast; the Pibor defines the border on the south and west, while the Baro defines it for the northern border. Towns in this zone included Tergol and Telut. Most of the area of this zone was added to Nuer Zone and some parts were added to Anuak Zone.

Abwobo is a woreda in Gambela Region, Ethiopia. Part of the Anywaa Zone, Abwobo is bordered on the southeast by the Majang Zone, on the south by Gog, on the southwest by Jor, on the northwest by Itang special woreda, on the north by Gambela Zuria, and on the northeast by the Oromia Region; part of its northern boundary is defined by the Alworo River. The major town in Abwobo is Abwobo.

Gog is a woreda in Gambela Region, Ethiopia. Part of the Anuak Zone, Gog is bordered on the south by Dimma, on the southwest by the Akobo River which separates it from South Sudan, on the west by Jor, and on the north by Abobo. The major town in Gog is Fugnido.

Jor is a woreda in Gambela Region, Ethiopia. Part of the Anuak Zone, Jor is bordered on the south by the Akobo River which separates it from South Sudan, on the west and north by the Nuer Zone, on the northeast by Abobo, and on the east by Gog; the Alooworro River defines part of its northern boundary. The administrative center of this County is Ongoogi.

Itang is a woreda in Gambela Region, Ethiopia. Because Itang is not part of any zone in the Gambela Region, it is considered a Special woreda, an administrative subdivision which is similar to an autonomous area. It is bordered on the south and southeast by the Anuak Zone, on the west by the Nuer Zone, on the northwest by South Sudan, and on the north by the Oromia Region; part of the southern boundary is defined by the Alwero River. The major town in Itang is Itang.

Gambela Zuria was a woreda in the Gambela Region of Ethiopia. Part of the Anuak Zone, Gambela Zuria is bordered on the south by Abobo, on the west by Itang special woreda, and on the north and east by the Oromia Region. Gambela, which is the capital of the Region, is surrounded by this woreda.

Akobo is a woreda in Gambela Region, Ethiopia. It is named after the Akobo River, which flows westwards then north into the Baro River, defining its border with South Sudan. Part of the Nuer Zone, Akobo is bordered on the south and west by South Sudan, on the north by Wentawo, and on the east by the Anuak Zone. The westernmost point of this woreda is the westernmost point of Ethiopia. Towns in Akobo include Tergol.

Jikawo is a woreda in Gambela Region, Ethiopia. Part of the Nuer Zone, Jikawo is bordered on the south by the Anuak Zone, on the west by the Alwero River which separates it from Wentawo, on the north by the Baro River which separates it from South Sudan, and on the east by Lare. Towns in Jikawo include Nginngang and Telut.

Dimma is a woreda in Gambela Region, Ethiopia. Part of the Anuak Zone, Dimma is bordered on the southeast by the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR), on the southwest by the Akobo River which separates it from South Sudan, on the north by Gog, and on the northeast by the Mezhenger Zone. The major town in Dimma is Dimma.

Agwa Alemo was an Ethiopian politician. He belonged to the Anyuak ethnic group, and became the first president of the Gambela Region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gambela People's Liberation Movement</span> Rebel group in Gambela Region of Ethiopia

The Gambela People's Liberation Movement was a rebel group in the Gambela Region in Ethiopia. The GPLM was founded by Anuak dissidents during the Derg and Woyane regime. The organization remained dominated by Anuaks. Agwa Alemu was the chairman of the GPLM.

Nuer Zone Amharic Thok Naath, The Zone is founded in Gambela Region of Ethiopia. It was created from former Administrative Zone 3, Gambella Region. Location The zone it's located in western Gambella Town is bordered by South Sudan, on the Northern Baro River, Western Pibor, and Southwestern Pibor River, on the east by Itang Special Woreda, on the South-East by Anuak Zone. The administration town called Nyinenyang, also have five administrator woreda Kuergeng Town, Kuach Thiäng Town, Nyinenyang Town, Matar Town and Tiergol Town. Nuer Zone is within the Ethiopian lowlands and is flat at an elevation between 400–430 meters above sea level. The zone consists of grasslands, marshes and swamps with some forests. The economy is predominantly based on livestock. In 2006, there were no agricultural cooperatives, no documented roads, and little other Reference infrastructure. Both Jikawo and Akobo woredas are flooded during the rainy season, requiring the people to migrate to the highlands with their cattle until the waters recede; thus raising livestock is the primary source of income in this Zone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ethiopian Unity Patriots Front</span> Political party and militant rebel organization in Ethiopia

The Ethiopian Unity Patriots Front is a political party and militant rebel organization that waged an insurgency against the Ethiopian government from 1993 to 2012. Formed by ex-officials of the Derg regime, the EUPF was mostly active in Ethiopia's Gambela Region as well as eastern Sudan and South Sudan. The group agreed to a ceasefire with the Ethiopian government in 2012, and officially ended its insurgency in 2016. The EUPF remains active, however, and its armed wing has reportedly been involved in the South Sudanese Civil War, although to what extent is disputed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ethiopian civil conflict (2018–present)</span> Episode of intrastate conflicts during Abiy Ahmeds administration

Following the 2018 dissolution of the ethnic federalist, dominant party political coalition, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front, there was an increase in tensions within the country, with newly resurgent regional and ethnically based factions carrying out armed attacks on military and civilians in multiple conflicts throughout Ethiopia.

The Gambela Massacre was a three-day-long massacre in the city of Gambela targeting Anuak people in December of 2003. The massacre perpetrated by the ENDF and "highlander" militias after an ambush of ARRA employees. Calls from International community made to condemn and stop the various forms of attacks against the Anuak people- i.e. Ethiopia to take immediate action and to comply to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (“ICERD”). The calls included actions against: 1)Racial Discrimination 2)State obligation to protect and ensure economic development, economic, social, and cultural rights, 3) Freedom of movement 4)The right to equal treatment in the justice system 5) Protection Against Violence, and 6) Access to Remedies and Justice for Crimes of Racial Discrimination.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Ethiopia: Targeting the Anuak: Background and Context". Human Rights Watch . 2005. Archived from the original on 2022-08-08. Retrieved 2023-03-12.
  2. ↑ Frommer, Fred; Lohn, Martiga (2008-05-30). "Exiled Anuak prepare to confront Ethiopian official in Minn". Minnesota Public Radio . Archived from the original on 2019-02-15. Retrieved 2023-03-12.
  3. ↑ "About Us". Anuak Justice Council. Archived from the original on 2022-10-03. Retrieved 2023-03-13.
  4. ↑ Ochalla, Nyikaw (2002-07-16). "Ethnic cleansing and genocide against the Anuak in Gambela state, Ethiopia". www.ethiomedia.com. Archived from the original on 2016-07-21. Retrieved 2023-03-13.
  5. ↑ "Ethiopian army 'kills 20 rebels'". BBC . 2004-05-18. Archived from the original on 2022-09-05. Retrieved 2023-03-13.
  6. ↑ Gatwech, Lunyjock (2002-10-07). "Genocide on the Nuer continues, Nykaw adds insults to injury". www.ethiopiafirst.com. Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2023-03-13.
  7. ↑ Henshaw, Amber (2006-06-12). "Passengers die in Ethiopia ambush". BBC . Archived from the original on 2020-01-11. Retrieved 2023-03-13.
  8. ↑ Location of Anuaks Archived October 10, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  9. ↑ "Anuak relationship with other groups". Archived from the original on 2007-02-16. Retrieved 2006-11-29.
  10. ↑ Languages west Ethiopia
  11. ↑ Highlanders and Anuaks
  12. ↑ 1980s resettlement
  13. ↑ United Nations staff attacked
  14. ↑ Anuak rebel attack church and police
  15. ↑ Anuak rebels kill state Commissioner
  16. ↑ Anuak militants
  17. ↑ "Anuak rebels killing Nuers". Archived from the original on 2006-11-11. Retrieved 2006-11-29.
  18. ↑ Anuak rebels attack a passenger bus
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.