The Murle unprovoked attacks on the law-abiding Anyuak and caused the innumerable casualties.

April 17, 2007 (ADDIS ABABA) - Murle militia have struck again, this time in Jor Wereda of Western Ethiopia. Causing high number of casualties; definite figures obtained are rising so no definite numbers at this point. It is the worst massacre in Jor District history. Heavily armed members of the Muerle ethnic group attacked an Anyuak village called Angela, in Jor District (woreda) of Gambella, Western Ethiopia on April 11, 2007. Earlier similar attacked happened at Nyikani [Omila].

A victim of free gun in Sudan

Because the region is very remote the news comes in trickles. According to the source in the area, the whole village was sat on fire. The number of casualties was large. So far the number of people killed has reached 37, more than 60 people were seriously wounded and more people are missing, a source in the area said.

Ongoing cross border tribal attacks by Sudanese Murle on Ethiopian Anuak and Nuer have resulted in widespread displacement, unconfirmed deaths and casualties in Gambella Regional State since the beginning of the year, other sources said.

“Those displaced by the last week conflict are seeking temporary shelter at Chenthoa, six hours walking distance from their villages. Reports from ZOA Refugee Care indicate that those displaced have fled without any belongings as their huts and possessions were destroyed by fire in the conflict. ZOA Refugee Care and the Regional Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Food Security Bureau (DPPFSB) have left for Jor District (woreda) to assess the situation. The assessment mission is expected to return on 14 April. Meanwhile, the joint Government-Humanitarian verification team deployed to assess the region’s request for assistance is expected to return at the end of this week”.

In the meantime the communities in this area are facing a serious food shortage.  This area already has food problems, according to informant in the area, so far four children have died of starvation.

Jor District is one of the eleven districts of Gambella Regional State. It is characterized by low /no infrastructure availability. The district has only two schools cemented and has iron sheet roofs but the others are built locally with woods and grasses.  It is also connected to Pinyudo (Gog district town) by seasonal road. It is entirely Anywaa/Anuak community who live in this district except its town (Chenthoa) where there are other communities. The people depend largely on sedentary crop farming [and cattle rearing to some extent].

Today in Gambella town, the assessment team with the joint Government-Humanitarian verification team issues a humanitarian crisis in Gambella region. They pleased in consider the immediate need in this area.

For more information contact: omotchol@yahoo.co.in