Tensions remain high in Benishangul

ESAT News (September 30, 2016)

At least 300 people have taken refuge in a jungle in Benishangul Giumuz region in western Ethiopia following clashes with regime’s army officials, who settled in the region to carry out gold exploration.

Eight security forces have reportedly been killed on Wednesday following clashes with the local people in an area known as Sherkolle.

The locals believe their land has been unfairly looted by the over one thousand investors from Tigray displacing them from their livelihood.

Witnesses told ESAT that the investors from Tigray were asked by the regional authorities as well as Sherkolle local administrators to leave the land, but to no avail.

At least 20 locals were injured in Wednesday’s clash with security forces.

The Beishangul Gumuz region is known for its rich deposit of gold and other precious stones, attracting foreign investors and businessmen with ties to the regime.