Security forces accused of displacing Amharas in Konso

(Picture obtained from social media)

ESAT News (September 15, 2016)

Security forces in southern Ethiopia are forcing the displacement of Amharas in Konso, in what the locals said was a deliberate attempt by regime operatives to incite ethnic violence, according to ESAT’s sources.

The displacement came as the people of Konso, who demanded self-administration, were also under attack by the forces.

Unable to respond positively to the demands of the people of Konso, security forces and operatives of the regime carried out the forced displacement of the Amharas, who have lived in harmony with the indigenous people since time immemorial. The action was said to be a ploy to divert the administrative demands of the people of Konso.

Several houses were set ablaze leading to the displacement of at least 300 Amharas from several villages, a source who wish to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal told ESAT.

Sources also said the Konsos have been providing support to the displaced Amharas and have refused to fall into the traps set by the forces to incite ethnic tensions.

The constitutional demand by the people of Konso has been met with deadly force by the regime and scores of people were killed and hundreds displaced.