The police chief of Debre Berhan city in the North Showa zone of the Amhara region was killed by unknown individuals, according to the city administration. Commander Menweyele Chinqilo, the police chief of Debre Berhan City, located 130 kilometers north of Addis Ababa, was killed on Friday, July 15, 2022.
In a statement of condolence issued by the communication office of Debre Berhan City, which is the capital of the North Showa zone in the Amhara region, it was reported that the police chief was shot by unknown individuals while on duty. Commander Menweyele was taken to the hospital after being injured in the attack by his attackers, but his death was reported.
The city’s communication stated that “by killing strong leaders, there will be no change or justice ensured,” and warned that political and security sector leaders have been targeted for assassination in recent times.
In the past few months, while the federal government and regional administration have announced that they are carrying out law enforcement activities in the Amhara region, there have been assassinations of high-ranking political and security officials in various places in the region. Among these, Ato Girma Yeshitla, an executive member of the country’s ruling Prosperity Party and head of the Amhara Region Prosperity Party branch office, was killed by gunmen in North Showa zone’s Shitla two months ago.
At least five people were killed by unidentified gunmen in an attack that took place 250 kilometers north of the capital Addis Ababa on April 19/2023. Additionally, a week ago, two police chiefs and one security officer were killed in attacks on local security officials in Dejen District of East Gojam Zone and Showa Robit City of North Showa Zone within Amhara Region on consecutive days.
It is not forgotten that Ato Abdu Hussain, head of Showa Robit City’s security department; Chief Inspector Zewdu Tadele, head of Dejen District Police Office; and Deputy Inspector Warku Shimeles, head of the Crime Prevention Department at the district police office; were killed in attacks that took place in various locations within the region.
So far, no party has taken responsibility or been held accountable for the killing of local officials by unknown individuals which is happening frequently within the Amhara region.
