Kidnapping is a new normal for the victims in Oromia
By Tule Forsa
Kidnapping has unfortunately become a disturbingly common occurrence in Ethiopia, particularly in the region of Oromia, the largest region in the country. The targets of these kidnappings often tend to be individuals with financial means or those belonging to the Amharic-speaking community. The ransom money extracted from these heinous acts is typically shared among the security apparatus of the government and the OLF faction, whose soldiers are largely responsible for carrying out these abductions.
The facilitators of these kidnappings are varied and include staff members of financial institutions who betray the personal account data of their own clients, as well as government security forces who provide information on the whereabouts and conditions of the victims. The actual execution of the kidnappings is carried out by the OLF faction’s soldiers.
The demanded ransom amounts are exorbitant, often reaching into the millions, and are required for the release of the kidnapped individuals or groups. Civil servants, merchants, students, and even government officials have fallen victim to these abductions. Tragically, if a person is unable to pay the ransom, death becomes the inevitable outcome.
This kidnapping business is rapidly expanding beyond Oromia and is now spreading to regions like Amhara, Tigray, and occasionally the southern parts of Ethiopia. Even individuals in the capital city are not immune to these crimes, which are sometimes orchestrated by elements within the incumbent government.
It is important to note that the victims of these kidnappings are often from the Amharic speaking community, which is widely dispersed throughout the nation due to historical factors, particularly in the current region of Oromia. The group Fano is actively working to combat various injustices, including ethnic cleansing against the Amhara community and the confiscation of property through the use of kidnapping as a tool.
Efforts must be made to address this alarming trend of kidnapping in Ethiopia, as it not only threatens the safety and security of individuals but also undermines the fabric of society as a whole.
Editor’s note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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