Security

Over 11,600 Displaced in Konso Appeal for Emergency Aid

AI SUMMARY

Over 11,600 residents in the Konso zone are displaced and appealing for urgent aid following armed attacks that killed five people.

Over 11,600 people from Konso, South Ethiopia, were displaced following armed attacks last week on the eve of the Ethiopian New Year.
The attacks occurred in Kolme district's Kurbo, Masoya, and Borqara localities by gunmen claiming their cattle were stolen.
Five people were killed and four others were wounded in the attacks.
Over 1,900 households were displaced, with 75 houses and two schools entirely destroyed by fire.
Displaced individuals, including pregnant women, children, and the elderly, are residing in neighboring villages within the zone.
The displaced population has not received emergency food aid or adequate shelter.
Tesfay Takito, head of the Early Warning and Emergency Response Directorate at the Konso Zone Disaster Risk Reduction and Food Security Office, stated his office is working to identify displaced individuals and assess property damage.
Tesfay expressed concern that children, pregnant women, and the elderly are vulnerable to disease.
The district is awaiting emergency humanitarian assistance from the zone administration.
The Ethiopian Red Cross and non-governmental organizations have provided items such as blankets, water containers, and plastic cups, but no food aid has been delivered.