The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission is concerned by the conflict that flared up in Gedamaytu city on July 24, 2021 and resulted in loss of lives, civilian casualties, internal displacement and property damage. Information on the exact number of casualties and other injuries to civilians, including property damage, is still limited. However, the persisting insecurity in the areas where the conflict occurred and surroundings, and the closure of some connecting roads continues to hamper even regular movement of goods and people.
While the immediate step called for is the urgent provision of humanitarian assistance to the persons displaced from the conflict areas to Muli Kebele and neighbouring towns, the federal government as well as the Afar and Somali regional authorities need to give due attention to resolving the root causes of this recurring conflict. The Commission will continue to monitor the situation by visiting the areas and the affected population.