The recent massacre of innocent civilians in the Xarshin district of the Faafan region, perpetrated by the Liyu Police under the direct command of General Cabdi Cali Siyaad Gafaydhe, and with the alleged endorsement of Somali Regional President Mustafe Omar and Minister Xuseen Xaashi Qaasim, raises significant concerns. The Ethiopian Federal Government’s silence on this grave matter demands scrutiny and accountability.
The situation underscores several critical issues:
- Abuse of State Power
The use of heavily armed state forces to target civilians represents a flagrant abuse of governmental authority. This act not only violates Ethiopia’s domestic legal obligations but also contravenes international principles of governance and human rights. Such actions undermine public trust and set dangerous precedents for state-sponsored violence.
- Ethnic-Based Violence
Reports suggest that the attacks disproportionately target specific communities, raising fears of an underlying ethnic agenda. Ethnic-based violence perpetuated or tolerated by state institutions could amount to crimes against humanity, warranting serious international attention and intervention.
- Forcible Displacement and Land Grabbing
The deliberate targeting of civilians in the Xarshin district appears to be part of a broader strategy to displace communities and alter the demographic or political landscape for economic or political gain. These tactics violate fundamental rights to security, livelihood, and property.
- Systematic Erasure of Identity
The destruction of communities and targeting of individuals based on their ethnicity or affiliation suggests an effort to erase their identity. Such actions resonate with the definition of ethnic cleansing under international law, calling for urgent investigation and justice.
- Gross Human Rights Violations
The atrocities committed by the Liyu Police in Xarshin constitute gross human rights violations. These include unlawful killings, forced displacement, and the denial of fundamental freedoms, which breach Ethiopia’s commitments under international conventions, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
- Political Instability and Breach of Federal Responsibility
The silence of the Ethiopian Federal Government signals a grave failure to uphold its constitutional mandate to protect all citizens. This inaction fosters political instability, erodes public confidence in state institutions, and invites international condemnation.
Call for Action
The Federal Government of Ethiopia must break its silence and address the massacre in Xarshin with urgency and transparency. This includes:
- Independent Investigation: Establishing an impartial, international inquiry into the actions of the Liyu Police and the complicity of regional leadership.
- Accountability: Holding all individuals responsible for the atrocities accountable, including General Cabdi Cali Siyaad Gafaydhe, President Mustafe Omar, and Minister Xuseen Xaashi Qaasim.
- Protection of Civilians: Deploying federal mechanisms to ensure the immediate safety and security of affected communities.
- Rehabilitation and Compensation: Providing support for displaced and affected families, including reparations for the loss of life and property.
- Adherence to International Law: Demonstrating Ethiopia’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law by addressing this crisis in accordance with international standards.
Conclusion
The ongoing silence of the Ethiopian Federal Government not only legitimizes the actions of the Liyu Police but also undermines Ethiopia’s image on the global stage. The voices of the victims in Xarshin deserve justice, and the international community must not turn a blind eye to these grave violations.
Immediate action is necessary to prevent further bloodshed, restore trust, and uphold the principles of humanity and justice.