Whereabouts of five EZEMA members unknown
The Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO) has called on the federal government to urgently investigate a surge in civilian casualties, sexual violence, and property destruction across the Amhara and South Ethiopia regions, citing a failure to uphold constitutional protections for life and security.
This appeal for accountability coincides with growing alarm from the Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (EZEMA) party, whose head of legal and member Security, Seyoum Mengesha, confirmed that the whereabouts of five party members remain unknown following their detention by regional and zonal police in Gamo, South Ethiopia, between May and October 2025.
Speaking to The Reporter, Seyoum noted that a formal investigation is underway and said that party representatives have met with government and election officials.
“We have reached an understanding that members who have committed no crime must be released following an investigation,” said Mengesha. “For any members accused of offenses, we insisted they not be held indefinitely; they must be brought before a court of law for a judicial ruling.”
Seyoum underlined that his party will issue a follow-up report on the cases of the disappeared soon.
The Council has called for authorities in the Region to disclose the whereabouts of the detainees and uphold their right to justice by bringing them before a court.
It also urged all stakeholders to play their part in resolving issues peacefully before it escalates.
In a statement issued on February 19, 2026, EHRCO indicated that death, destruction of property, and physical injury have occurred and continue to persist in the South Ethiopia Region.
It added that sexual violence was committed against women in the area known as Boloda in Zayse Danle Kebele, leading to multiple deaths.
“Attacks in the districts against local residents resulted in the death of an unconfirmed number of people, property destruction, and displacement,” read the statement.
EHRCO has also reported a devastating escalation of violence in the Amhara region, where “heavy weaponry fired by government security forces killed an unconfirmed number of civilians, including mothers and elders.”
The report added that the incident highlights a “mounting humanitarian crisis as civilian casualties and property destruction continue to rise in the area”.
EHRCO calls upon the security forces and regional stakeholders in Amhara and South Ethiopia to prioritize the prevention of further human rights violations and ensure that those suspected of such acts are “brought to justice” through formal legal channels.
