31 Jul 2020 | 01:43 AM UTC
Ethiopia: Armed assailants kill 14 in attack in Metekel Zone (Benishangul-Gumuz state) July 27
Armed assailants kill 14 and displace more than a hundred in attack in Metekel Zone (Benishangul-Gumuz state) on July 27; further attacks possible over the medium term
Event
Unidentified armed assailants killed at least 14 people and displaced more than a hundred after an attack in Metekel Zone (Benishangul-Gumuz state) on Monday, July 27. Responsibility for the attack was not immediately claimed.
Further attacks are possible in the region over the medium term.
Context
Local officials reportedly stated the attack was ethnically motivated, and that members of the Amhara community were targeted in the attack. However, regional state officials allege that the attack was conducted to destabilize the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project. The GERD has reportedly caused friction between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt, with negotiations between the countries ongoing.
Advice
Those present in Ethiopia are advised to monitor local developments, maintain a high degree of situational awareness, and remain vigilant for potential criminal activity.
