Ethiopia: Gunmen kill passengers in attack in Dangur (Benishangul-Gumuz region) October 6

Event

Gunmen attacked public transport vehicles in Gublak Kebele located in Dangur district (Benishangul-Gumuz region) on Tuesday, October 6, and reportedly killed 14 passengers. Reports indicate that in response to the attack, security forces carried out an operation which resulted in 14 attackers killed, two others arrested, and weapons seized.

Authorities have reportedly issued an order for residents of Dangur and Guba, to limit movement and not engage in agricultural activities in the near term. Security forces will also escort public transport vehicles. The government deployed security forces and placed the area under military command two weeks ago following violence which left scores killed.

Similar attacks are possible in the region in the near term. A heightened security presence should be expected.

Context

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission has stated that attacks occurring within the region have involved at least two occasions of the killings of civilians and have resulted in the displacement of hundreds. In June 2019, unidentified attackers killed over 50 people and injured 23 others in the area. The government has blamed September's attacks on groups opposed to the government's reform program.

Advice

Those in the affected areas are advised to monitor the situation, remain vigilant for security operations and militant activity, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.