Three Ethiopian citizens were killed and many detained in Puntland, Somalia, due to accusations of affiliations with ISIS. The violence, arbitrary arrests, and public assaults against Ethiopians have intensified amid growing resentment linked to a maritime agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland. Human rights concerns are escalating, with international entities seeking to address the surge in hostility.
Three Ethiopian nationals were reportedly killed in Puntland, Somalia, over two days amid alleged connections to the terrorist organization ISIS. Residents stated that violence, arbitrary arrests, beatings, and looting targeting Ethiopian migrants and refugees have surged in cities such as Garowe, Bosaso, and Kalkaw. The violence began on January 26, 2025, with an Ethiopian citizen killed by government security forces, followed by two others killed the next day by locals.
An anonymous resident noted that the killings stemmed from claims that some Ethiopians were associated with ISIS. Nonetheless, the resident opined that punishing all Ethiopians for the actions of a few is unjustified. The Puntland administration’s security forces have reportedly detained thousands of Ethiopians, with more than 500 individuals imprisoned in Garowe alone, many of whom are civilians without ties to armed groups.
Another Ethiopian resident suggested that this crackdown correlates with increasing animosity towards Ethiopians, exacerbated by Ethiopia’s recent maritime agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia contests. The resident highlighted that the violence does not seem to be justifiable by the stated reasons but rather stems from historical grievances against Ethiopians in the region.
Ethiopian refugees in Puntland have previously encountered significant issues, as evidenced by a June 2024 order from Puntland authorities demanding Ethiopians without refugee credentials to exit the region. This demand was reportedly propelled by concerns about their rising numbers and supposed effects on local employment.
The UNHCR has acknowledged the heightened violence against Ethiopian refugees and is coordinating with government entities to bolster protections. This recent surge in violence against Ethiopian nationals reflects longstanding tensions and an ongoing climate of hostility in Puntland, highlighting the complexities surrounding refugee safety and regional dynamics.
The situation in Puntland, Somalia, has escalated concerning Ethiopian refugees and migrants, largely due to accusations of terrorism affiliations. The presence of the ISIS group, which has established ties with local factions such as Al-Shabaab, has created an environment of fear where Ethiopians are indiscriminately targeted. Amid increasing violence, arbitrary arrests, and the local government’s actions, the plight of Ethiopian nationals has drawn both local and international attention.
In conclusion, the recent killings and detentions of Ethiopian nationals in Puntland underscore the growing violence linked to allegations of terrorism connections. The unjust targeting of all Ethiopians based on a few individuals’ actions raises significant human rights concerns. The ongoing resentment against Ethiopians, compounded by political tensions, necessitates urgent attention from local authorities and international organizations to safeguard the rights and safety of vulnerable populations.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
