Recent violence in Puntland, Somalia, led to the deaths of three Ethiopian nationals accused of ISIS ties, with numerous detentions of Ethiopians reported. The crackdown appears to stem from deep-seated resentment rooted in political tensions following Ethiopia’s MoU with Somaliland, raising concerns for the safety of Ethiopian refugees in the region.
Three Ethiopian nationals were killed over two consecutive days in Puntland, Somalia, amid allegations of their connections to the Islamic State (ISIS). Local residents reported increased violence, arbitrary arrests, and abuse directed towards Ethiopian refugees in cities such as Garowe, Bosaso, and Kalkaw. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the violence escalated following an incident on January 26, 2025, where an Ethiopian was shot dead by government security forces, leading to two more deaths the following day.
A resident in Puntland claimed that these killings were fueled by accusations targeting Ethiopians as being associated with ISIS. This sentiment is described as unjust, emphasizing that while some individuals may indeed have affiliations, it is inappropriate to punish all Ethiopians for the actions of a few. Reports state that thousands of Ethiopian individuals have been detained by Puntland security forces, with over 500 arrests occurring in Garowe alone, many of whom are believed to be innocent civilians.
The crackdown on Ethiopians appears to be exacerbated by mounting resentment towards them, a situation intensified after Ethiopia signed a maritime memorandum with Somaliland, a deal opposed by Somalia. Residents express concern that the violence has roots deeper than official claims, suggesting that it stems from historical animosity rather than legitimate security concerns. Attacks, including threats and intimidation against Ethiopians, have reportedly been perpetuated by both security forces and local civilians wishing for Ethiopians to vacate their properties.
Ethiopian refugees in Puntland have faced ongoing challenges in the past, such as the June 2024 directive for illegal residents to leave Garowe to address concerns over their numbers and impact on local employment. There has been a perceptible increase in threats and violent actions against Ethiopians following the MoU with Somaliland. In response to these incidents, the UNHCR has acknowledged the attacks and stated its commitment to collaborating with government authorities to safeguard refugee rights and welfare.
The situation for Ethiopian refugees in Puntland, Somalia is precarious, marked by reports of targeted violence and arbitrary detentions. The allegations of links to ISIS have exacerbated an already volatile climate, inciting public aggression against Ethiopian communities. This animosity is further fueled by political agreements that provoke resentment among local populations, revealing deep-seated issues beyond immediate security threats.
The recent killings of Ethiopian nationals in Puntland reflect a troubling pattern of violence and discrimination fueled by allegations of ties to ISIS. Ongoing arbitrary arrests and threats against Ethiopian refugees demonstrate a profound social crisis exacerbated by political tensions. Efforts by the UNHCR to protect these vulnerable populations highlight the urgent need for intervention to secure their safety and uphold their rights in the region.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
