ONM-ABO, March 20, 2025
On March 18, 2025, soldiers reportedly under the command of Colonel Abiy Ahmed detained several civilians, including mothers, in Heela Akiya village, Marti District, East Arsi region. The arrests were allegedly carried out as part of an operation targeting the OLA movement, according to local residents who spoke to ONM.
Among those detained were mothers who were reportedly separated from their young children. The following individuals have been identified as being among those arrested:
- Halima Dita
- Na’ima Adam
- Fatima Adam
- Hawwa Ibrahim
- Asha Muhammadnur
- Misra Hussein
- Dite Kamal
- Timire Jibril
- Kamila Abdo
- Rahima Ahmed
- Fatima Abdala
- Fatiya Arara
- Dadu Jundi
- Darartu Kadiro
- Shukare Adam
- Buli Kamal
- Rosa Jibro
- Amarti Guto
- Sartuu Wazir
- Fatima Hamid
- Raisa Musxafa
- Diire Abbe
- Leyilla Gabi
Residents claim that the arrests were arbitrary and have criticized the government for exacerbating tensions rather than addressing political issues through dialogue. Concerns have also been raised about the detention of minors under the age of 18, further heightening tensions in the region.
The situation has sparked outrage among locals, who accuse the government of disrupting public peace and failing to resolve conflicts through peaceful means.
