The massacre in Da’awaley, a village in Ethiopia’s Somali region, stands as a grim testament to systemic failures in governance and human rights protection. Over 200 civilians were killed, thousands displaced, and entire communities left in ruins. This tragedy highlights the urgent need for justice and reform in Ethiopia’s Somali region, where marginalized communities have long borne the brunt of neglect and violence.
“This is a Crime Against Humanity”
Eyewitnesses from Da’awaley recount scenes of horror: families torn apart, homes burned, and lives extinguished in acts of indiscriminate violence. Survivors accuse the Liyuu Police, a paramilitary force operating in Ethiopia’s Somali region, of orchestrating the attack.
“We were defenseless. They came with guns and fire,” said one survivor who fled to Somaliland after losing loved ones.
The international human rights community has condemned Ethiopia’s inability—or unwillingness—to protect its citizens. “This massacre is part of a larger pattern of targeting vulnerable communities in Ethiopia’s Somali region,” said Abdirasak Hassan, a human rights advocate.
The Liyuu Police, a heavily armed force with a history of abuse, have been accused of perpetuating violence under the guise of maintaining security. Critics argue that the Ethiopian government’s tacit approval of their actions has created a culture of impunity.
The Gaashaamo Massacre Revisited
The Da’awaley massacre is a chilling reminder of the Gaashaamo killings in 2017, where the Liyuu Police were similarly implicated in atrocities. Despite international outcry at the time, Ethiopia has failed to address the root causes of such violence. “The silence of Ethiopian authorities on these matters is deafening,” said a representative from Amnesty International, calling for an independent investigation into the killings.
Regional Implications
The Da’awaley massacre has also strained Ethiopia’s relations with its neighbors. Somaliland, which shares deep ethnic ties with the Isaaq clan targeted in the attack, has expressed grave concern over Ethiopia’s handling of the crisis. Somaliland has offered refuge to survivors and has called for justice to prevent further destabilization of the region.
“This is not just a local tragedy—it has far-reaching implications for peace and stability in the Horn of Africa,” said a senior elder from Somaliland.
Recommendations for Justice and Stability
To address the crisis in Ethiopia’s Somali region and prevent future atrocities, the following steps are essential:
1. Independent Investigation: Ethiopia must allow international organizations such as the United Nations to conduct an impartial investigation into the Da’awaley massacre and hold perpetrators accountable.
2. Reform of the Liyuu Police: The Ethiopian government must dismantle the culture of impunity surrounding the Liyuu Police and ensure they operate within the framework of human rights and justice.
3. Protection of Marginalized Communities: Ethiopia must take concrete steps to protect vulnerable groups in its Somali region, ensuring they have equal representation and access to resources.
4. Strengthened Diplomatic Ties: Ethiopia should engage in constructive dialogue with its neighbors, including Somaliland, to address cross-border concerns and foster regional cooperation.
A Call for Accountability
The Da’awaley massacre is not an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern of violence and neglect in Ethiopia’s Somali region. Without urgent reforms and accountability, the cycles of violence will persist, further destabilizing the region.
The Ethiopian government must take immediate steps to address the grievances of its Somali region and build trust with marginalized communities. The international community must also play its part by supporting justice and reform efforts.
Somaliland, with its history of stability and effective governance, has shown a model of what can be achieved through accountability and commitment to peace. Ethiopia must learn from this example and take the necessary steps to prevent further atrocities and ensure lasting stability in the Horn of Africa.