Mr. Meles Zenawi,

We are writing this letter to you as representatives of the Afar Diaspora all over the world to express our deep concern and frustration about the recent mass killings and massacres committed by the Issa-Somali Regional State militias against Afar civilians in different districts of the Afar region. The atrocity took place particularly at the Qammih-baxa (Amih-bara) and XaaleFaage (DaaleFaage) districts of zone 5 on the 3rd, 4th and 5th of June 2012. They brutally murdered and slaughtered in cold blood tens of innocent Afar civilians who were grazing their livestock near their homes. Homes were burned down and hundreds of livestock stolen. Even children and pregnant women were not spared.

Behind this brutal atrocity lies the long-standing Issa-Somali expansionist ambition not only to annex more Afar territories but also to control the Awash River banks and the very important highway that connects Addis Ababa with the ports of Assab and Djibouti.

We should point out to you, Mr. Prime Minister that, during the Ethio-Somali invasion, the Afars sacrificed a lot to prevent the Somali forces, assisted by the Issa tribal militia from controlling the Awash River and the strategic Assab–Addis highway, which is vital for the survival of the country. Assisted again by external forces, they seem to be achieving success in their objective under your watch. Read more…