March 10, 2012 (GAMBELLA) - Reports of sporadic attack at controversial large-scale farmlands leased out foreign agribusinesses in Gambella have spreading. 

Observers say the reported attack at a farming station at a place called Elleya is yet another indication that the locals whose land is given away to large scale farmers from Arab and Asian countries are resorting to ambushes to drive off what land grabbers.

At Elleya farming station, unidentified attackers killed three of the locally employed Anuak guards and seriously wounded the owner of the farm who has seen been transferred to Addis Ababa for further treatment.

Security situation in the region is so high that regional government officials and other large-scale farming stations such as the Indian giant Karathuri, and that of Saudi Star are operating under heavy protection from the Federal Police and the army. The news report says it is unthinkable to operate in Gambella without high level security escort.

In an apparent move to contain the attacks the federal government army has deployed a large scale inquiry which often uses uncongenial techniques in all districts and prefectures, which known as woredas and kebeles.

According to Solidarity Movement for a New Ethiopia, the non-profit organization that closely follows developments in Gambella region, the military officers have held various inquiries among the public. They quizzed the dwellers about the nature of the ambushers by way of their numbers, looks, and if they are heavily armed or not. They subsequently warned them not to provide anything to the ‘brigands’ if they ever come back to the area again.  Some members of the public on their part replied that the bush is their natural home and they don’t normally seek food from the general public.

The army officers have also conducted a similar inquiry into the responses and handing of now so common attacks by the regional political bureaucrats. The bureaucrats were severely admonished for their causal handing of the matter.  Subsequently a number of high level regional officials were removed from their office and replaced by new faces. 

The report has also disclosed that one recent appointee has refused to assume him powerful position citing lack of confidence and security in the region.

Source:   ESAT News