Ethiopia: Amharas in Benishangul face displacement

ESAT News (November 22, 2016)

Amharas who have resettled and called it home in Benishangul Gumuz region since 30 years ago during the former Ethiopian regime have said  they are facing harassment and threat of displacement from their land.

The Amharas, who settled in Benishangul in a resettlement program in the former government are being threatened by authorities to leave the region, according to a source who spoke on the phone with ESAT.

Hundreds of Amharas in Asosa have been displaced after authorities gave their land to developers, forcing them to migrate to towns and other areas.

Meanwhile, security forces have detained several youth in Benishangul Gumuz following the martial law declared in October, sources told ESAT.

An estimated 80,000 Amharas live in Benishangul Gumuz region in western Ethiopia.