Open Letter to the Honorable Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali: Call for Justice, Investigation, and Protection of the Isaaq Clan and Dir Community
Date: 27 December 2024
To:
The Honorable Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali
Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Subject : Urgent Call for Action: End the Massacre of the Dir Clan and Isaaq Community in Dacawalay Village and Investigate the Atrocities Perpetrated by the Somali Regional Government
Dear Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali,
I write to you in the wake of a devastating tragedy that has shocked and horrified both the Ethiopian and international communities. On 25 December 2024, in the village of Dacawalay, members of the Isaaq clan and the broader Dir clan were brutally massacred by forces aligned with the Somali Regional Government, specifically the Ogaadeen clan, which holds significant political and military power within the region. The perpetrators, including forces from the regional army such as the Liyuu police, carried out these brutal killings. Hundreds of innocent lives—women, children, and the elderly—were tragically lost. In addition, many others were severely injured, and their homes and businesses were burned to the ground. This massacre appears to be a calculated, ethnically targeted attack, and it is not an isolated incident but part of a larger, ongoing pattern of violence against the Dir clan, particularly the Isaaq people, who have long suffered from a lack of representation and development.
The responsibility for the casualties in Dacawalay falls squarely on the shoulders of President Mustafe Mohumed Cagjar, the President of the Somali Regional Government. His leadership and the forces under his command have been complicit in perpetuating this violence. The systematic attacks on the Isaaq and Dir communities in the Somali region, including the massacre in Dacawalay, are a direct result of the policies of the Somali Regional Government under President Cagjar’s administration. The Ogaadeen clan, with the support and coordination of the regional government, has continued to target and oppress the Isaaq and Dir people, escalating tensions and violence that have left a trail of destruction and suffering in their wake.
On the second day of the violence, Isaaq clan elders and Suldaans, who had been officially mandated by the Somali Regional Government to mediate and de-escalate the situation, arrived in Dacawalay. Their primary task was to separate the local defenders and ensure that they were disarmed in order to prevent further bloodshed. After successfully accomplishing their mission and informing the government of their efforts, the elders and Suldaans were surrounded by thousands of Liyuu police soldiers in the early hours of the following night, around 4:00 AM. Without any regard for the status of the people in the village, including the reconciliation committee—men, women, children, and the elderly alike—the Liyuu police Army opened fire indiscriminately, committing yet another atrocity against those seeking peace and reconciliation.
This massacre is the latest in a series of violent assaults against the Dir community. Over time, the Isaaq clan and other members of the Dir group have been subjected to consistent and systematic attacks, leaving behind a legacy of grief, destruction, and loss. These killings cannot be dismissed as mere isolated conflicts; they are part of an ongoing campaign of ethnic violence, targeting specific communities simply because of their ethnic identity.
It is clear that the Isaaq clan, the largest community within the Dir clan, is being denied proper representation and access to development opportunities, while the Ogaadeen clan, which controls the Somali Regional Government from top to bottom, has monopolized both political power and the region’s resources. The Ogaadeen clan has long sought to control the lands and property of the Isaaq community, and now they are further escalating the situation by attempting to seize Isaaq farms and land, threatening the very livelihood of the people. This situation exacerbates existing tensions and is a direct affront to the rights of the Isaaq people and other members of the Dir clan.
The situation in Ethiopia’s Somali region is not only a domestic issue but one that has serious regional and international consequences. This violence is tied to the broader struggles within the Horn of Africa, particularly in Ethiopia, Somaliland and neighboring countries and their political dynamics.
As Prime Minister, you have a constitutional responsibility to protect all Ethiopians, regardless of their ethnic or regional background. In light of this, we urgently call for the following actions:
- End the Massacres and Ethnic Targeting: Issue clear directives to halt all forms of violence, including attacks on civilians based on their ethnicity. Disarm and hold accountable any forces responsible for carrying out these killings, including the Ogaadeen-led militia groups and the Liyuu police.
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Conduct a Transparent and Independent Investigation: Launch an impartial investigation into the massacres in Dacawalay and other affected areas to ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice. International human rights organizations should be involved to guarantee transparency.
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Ensure the Safety and Security of Vulnerable Communities: Provide immediate protection for members of the Dir clan, particularly the Isaaq community, who are under direct threat. The Ethiopian government must establish safe spaces for these communities and guarantee their right to live without fear of ethnic-based violence.
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Address the Lack of Representation and Development for the Dir Clan: Initiate discussions on the representation and inclusion of the Isaaq clan in all political, social, and economic processes, in the region. This is essential for achieving long-term peace and stability and for ensuring that resources are distributed equitably.
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Provide Support for Survivors and Affected Communities: Ensure that the survivors of these massacres receive the necessary humanitarian aid, medical assistance, and psychological support. Rebuilding the lives and communities of those affected is crucial for reconciliation and healing.
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Ensure Accountability for the Kidnapping and Assassination Attempt: Investigate the kidnapping of the Isaaq reconciliation committee, including the Suldaans and elders, by the Liyuu police Army, and hold those responsible for the violence and assassination attempts accountable.
This tragedy cannot be allowed to pass without accountability. The Ethiopian government must take swift action to prevent further massacres, investigate these crimes, and ensure justice for the victims. The international community will be watching closely, and the people of Ethiopia, especially the Dir clan and Isaaq community, expect decisive action to end these horrific attacks.
The outcome of this situation will not only impact the Ethiopian Somali region but will send a signal to the Horn of Africa and the wider East African region. The actions of the Ethiopian Federal Government will have ramifications for regional stability, peace, and security. We urge you to act with urgency, resolve, and compassion to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated, and that all Ethiopians, regardless of their ethnicity, can live in peace and dignity.
Sincerely,
Mohumed Adan
Free Political Analyst and Human Rights Activist
