More than 200 people killed in Ethiopia ethnic attack, witnesses say
PBS NewsHour
Ethiopia: Ethnic Attack Reportedly Kills More Than 200
Image copyright: AFP/Getty Images [via The Guardian]
The Facts
An attack on Sun. in the Oromia region of Ethiopia has reportedly claimed the lives of at least 230 people, mostly ethnic Amhara, according to witnesses.
Those at the scene and the Oromia regional government have blamed the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) rebel group. An OLA spokesman, in contrast, claimed that the regime's military and local militia carried out the attacks to penalize local support for the group.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Ethnic disputes in Ethiopia have been fueled by PM Abiy's decision to centralize power, with the apparent aim of reverting Ethiopia's federalism. His imperial nostalgia and rhetoric have driven fears of imperial-era homogenizing policies, and the government's decision to downplay Oromia's opposition concerns only serve to block a peaceful solution.
Pro-establishment narrative
Ethiopia has always been a multi-ethnic, multi-national and multi-religious society, but extremist forces are taking atrocious actions to create a dispute between the Amhara and Oromo people. Division doesn't help anyone in the country; Ethiopians must fight together against this.
Cynical narrative
This devastating attack against the Amhara people is sadly just the latest war crime to take place in Ethiopia since the civil war started. The country has plunged into a bloody conflict where civilians are paying the price. But where is the international outrage? Are these less worthy victims? This is one of the world's deadliest ongoing wars and the global community needs to be more fair in pushing for peace.