Outrage in Gondar Over the Killing of Two-Year-Old Child
The killing of a two-year-old child by her abductors in the city of Gondar has sparked outrage and protests, which were met with deadly force.
A two-year-old child was kidnapped in Gondar, a city in the Amhara region, on Monday, August 27, 2016. The child was killed, and her body was later found dumped in the yard of her parents’ residence.
The girl, named Nolawit Zegye, was abducted from her home on August 24, 2016. Despite the ransom demand being mostly met, her kidnappers killed her, according to family members.
Eyewitnesses reported that residents of Gondar, outraged by the child’s killing, gathered in the city’s Piasa area yesterday to demand justice. Clashes ensued between the residents and security forces, resulting in injuries.
Violent Response to Protests
It was reported that people who came out to voice their anger over the killing were met with gunfire from what they described as “government forces.” Residents reported that at least four people were killed when security forces opened fire on the crowd.
One resident said that people who came out to the square to ‘express their feelings’ were attacked. Another witness stated that “a crowd that came out to demand justice” was shot at, resulting in fatalities.
“He held the body of the child and said, ‘Hear our voice; enough with the suppression of Gondar,'” recounted one witness. Another witness claimed that as the protesters were returning, they were fired upon by forces believed to be guarding government officials.
The Attack on Protesters
Eyewitnesses described how the attack was carried out by a force known as the “anti-insurgency force,” established by the local government. “They opened fire directly on people walking peacefully,” one resident said. The incident reportedly took place around 12:00 PM, with witnesses saying the forces asked, “Why did you raise your voice?” before the attack began.
Residents noted that Gondar was effectively placed under lockdown following the attack, with government forces seen in groups around the city. The atmosphere in Gondar has been described as tense and threatening, with residents expressing fear and insecurity.
Death Toll and Injuries
An eyewitness who was at the scene of the attack reported that three people were killed at the time, although the actual death toll may be higher. Another resident mentioned hearing that four people, including women, were killed in the attack. Among the dead were reportedly two Bajaj drivers, with their funerals held at the city’s ancient Debre Berhan Trinity Church.
Another resident remarked, “I heard that there is a funeral in every church.” Many people were injured and admitted to the hospital.
Gondar Under Lockdown
A resident pointed out that Gondar has been restricted following the attack. “It can be said that it is a city without any guarantee of living. One is fenced around. We are in the middle,” a resident explained, noting that it has become impossible to travel more than 10 kilometers from the city without encountering security checks.
Residents of Gondar and various areas of the Amhara region are expressing that they are under serious threat due to the ongoing conflict between government forces and Fano militants.
