Witnesses recount Shene’s crimes against humanity in North Shewa

ADDIS ABABA –The terrorist Shene has been intensifying atrocities against civilian community, looting and damaging public and private properties in the North Shewa Administration Zone of Oromia State, the chief administrator said.

The Chief Administrator Kefyelew Adare told local media that the group has caused loss of lives and immense damage and looting of public and private properties in the area. Accordingly, over 7,700 farmers’ houses and 176 schools and health institutions were damaged by the radical group thereby disrupting the teaching-learning process and health services delivery in the area.

To change the situation, the government has carried out drastic measures and freed 51 Kebeles (the lowest administration division) which were formerly seized by the group and mobilized the public to tackle the peace threat.

Kuyu District Peace and Security Affairs Office Head Teshome Kenenisa said for his part that Shene has been furthering atrocities against the civilian community and it has killed, kidnapped unarmed individuals and attacked schools and health institutions. Over 4,000 civilians have been forced to be displaced from home due to the faction’s insurgency.

Dechasa Lemma, a resident of Kuyu District, highlighted that the rebellious group has damaged everything valuable in the area including fertilizer which was prepared to be dispatched for the local farmers. As the transportation has been blocked by Shene, the local community are forced to take pregnant women and patients to far away health institutions carrying on their backs.

As the group has been intensifying its attacks on civilians, the latter urged the government to protect them by sending security forces. We need security forces to stay around us to restore peace and stability in the area, Ashebir Nigusu, another resident said.

If Shene really stands and struggles for the people of Oromo, it must stop committing atrocities against civilians,” Ashebir emphasized.

BY TSEGAY TILAHUN

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 13 MAY 2022

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