“The Forgotten Voices of Da’awaley: A Call for Justice and Accountability in Ethiopia’s Somali Region”
By Prof. Nassir Hussein Kahin
The massacre in Da’awaley, a village in Ethiopia’s Somali region, has left a devastating toll: over 200 civilians killed, thousands displaced, and entire communities shattered.
The alleged perpetrators, members of the Liyuu Police—a paramilitary force long accused of systemic human rights abuses—have reignited global outrage over Ethiopia’s governance failures. This tragedy also threatens to destabilize relations with neighboring Somaliland, given its ethnic ties to the Isaaq clan, the primary victims of the attack.
“This is a Crime Against Humanity”
Eyewitness accounts describe harrowing scenes of indiscriminate violence. “We were left defenseless. Our homes burned, our children slaughtered,” said one survivor, who fled to Somaliland after losing family members in the attack.
Human rights activists have condemned the Ethiopian government’s failure to protect its citizens. “This massacre is not an isolated incident; it’s part of a deliberate campaign targeting marginalized groups,” said Abdirasak Hassan, a prominent activist .
The Liyuu Police, dominated by members of the Ogaden clan, have a history of aggression against non-Ogaden communities under the pretense of maintaining order. Critics argue the paramilitary force operates with impunity, bolstered by the Ethiopian government’s reluctance to rein in their actions .
The Gaashaamo Massacre Revisited
For many, the Da’awaley massacre is a grim reminder of the Gaashaamo killings in 2017, where similar atrocities were committed by the Liyuu Police. Despite international condemnation, little has changed. “The Ethiopian authorities’ silence speaks volumes,” said a representative from Amnesty International, urging an independent investigation into the killings .
Somaliland’s Growing Concerns
The massacre has reverberated across the border in Somaliland, where kinship ties with the Isaaq community run deep. Somaliland President Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Ciro has expressed grave concerns, warning that Ethiopia’s inaction risks damaging their historically cooperative relationship. “The Ethiopian government must act swiftly to ensure justice. Peaceful coexistence depends on protecting all communities, regardless of ethnicity,” he said during a recent address .
Elders from Somaliland have attempted to mediate tensions in the past, but these efforts have been undermined by repeated violence. “This is not just an attack on one village—it’s an attack on our shared values and regional stability,” stated a senior Somaliland elder involved in peace talks .
Recommendations for Justice and Stability
To prevent further massacres and a potential diplomatic rift between Ethiopia and Somaliland, immediate action is essential:
1. Independent Investigation: International bodies like the UN must oversee investigations to ensure accountability for the Da’awaley massacre.
- Human Rights Reforms: Ethiopia must dismantle the culture of impunity surrounding the Liyuu Police and ensure equitable representation for marginalized groups like the Isaaq.
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Strengthened Bilateral Ties: Diplomatic dialogue between Ethiopia and Somaliland should prioritize the protection of shared communities and address grievances over resource allocation.
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Leveraging Geopolitical Cooperation: Somaliland, with its strategic access to the Red Sea, can play a key role in fostering stability in the Horn of Africa by ensuring Ethiopia’s continued access to Berbera Port, contingent on meaningful reforms .
The Path Forward
The Da’awaley massacre underscores the urgent need for justice and reconciliation in Ethiopia’s Somali region. “Failure to act now risks perpetuating cycles of violence,” said a UN human rights official.
As calls for accountability grow louder, the international community must pressure Ethiopia to implement meaningful reforms.
Somaliland’s strategic geopolitical position further emphasizes the necessity of collaboration to prevent future atrocities and maintain regional stability.
If these recommendations are ignored, the repercussions for Somaliland- Ethiopia relations, could extend beyond the Horn of Africa, jeopardizing peace and security in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
