Over 114 killed, hundreds wounded, and villages razed in brutal attack in Ethiopia’s Somali region, as survivors endure unimaginable atrocities.
In a harrowing account of the December 25, 2024 massacre in the villages of Da’awaley and Abokor Ahmed, Edna Adan Ismail, a renowned humanitarian and former foreign minister of Somaliland, has called for immediate international intervention to address the scale of atrocities. The brutal attack, reportedly carried out by Ethiopian regional forces known as the “New Police,” left over 114 dead and more than 200 wounded in just one day, making it one of the most devastating incidents in the region’s recent history.
Details of the Atrocity
According to Edna Adan, the attack targeted the Arab Issaq community, with 99% of those killed belonging to this tribe, including several of her close relatives. Armed with machine guns, the attackers destroyed entire villages, burning huts and cutting off escape routes toward Jigjiga, the regional capital. Survivors fled into the bush or towards Somaliland, over 50 kilometers away.
Among the horrors reported:
Mass Killings: Over 114 people killed in a single day.
Severe Injuries: More than 200 wounded, many left behind to die or attacked by wild animals.
Sexual Violence: Young girls abducted, with one survivor found raped, wounded, and abandoned.
Destruction of Property: Homes burned with petrol, leaving the villages uninhabitable.
The systematic nature of the violence and its devastating impact on civilians, primarily farmers and nomads, underscores the gravity of the incident.
A Plea for International Action
Edna Adan has described the massacre as “an atrocity of unheard-of proportions” and urged the international community to act swiftly. She emphasized the dire need for humanitarian assistance and accountability for those responsible.
Her plea comes amidst concerns about the broader implications of such violence in the already volatile Somali region of Ethiopia. The targeting of a specific tribe raises alarms about ethnic-based violence and the potential for further escalations if left unaddressed.
Broader Context
This massacre is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have destabilized Ethiopia’s Somali region. The conflict in Da’awaley has reignited longstanding tensions, highlighting the urgent need for robust intervention to prevent further atrocities.
The international community faces a critical test in responding to this tragedy. Immediate actions should include:
Humanitarian Aid: Providing medical care and essential supplies to displaced survivors.
Investigations: Launching an independent inquiry into the actions of the “New Police” and other involved parties.
Protection Measures: Ensuring the safety of vulnerable communities in the region.
Conclusion
The massacre in Da’awaley demands urgent global attention and action. Edna Adan’s testimony underscores the unimaginable suffering endured by survivors and the need for accountability to prevent further violence.
As the world grapples with complex humanitarian crises, the response to Da’awaley will be a litmus test for the international community’s commitment to justice and human rights in regions plagued by instability and conflict.
