Security
Oromia Region Denies Issuing Directive for Citizens to Buy Weapons
TIKVAH Ethiopia · last week · Read the Full Story on TIKVAH Ethiopia
AI SUMMARY
The Oromia regional government has denied reports that authorities ordered farmers in security-vulnerable zones to purchase weapons and arm themselves.
- Wazema Radio reported that officials in Oromia zones including Southwest Shoa, West Shoa, North Shoa, and Kelem Wollega ordered eligible farmers to buy weapons and organize for local defense.
- The report claimed residents stated authorities promised expedited firearm licenses and subsidized ammunition.
- Hailu Adugna, head of the Oromia Communication Bureau, dismissed the circulating reports as incorrect and irresponsible.
- Hailu stated that ensuring citizen safety and bearing arms are the exclusive responsibilities of the government.
- He clarified that officials may instruct individuals with unregistered private weapons to register them to make them legal, rather than telling the public to arm themselves.
- He noted that local militias are organized through official structures like the regional council and militia offices to maintain peace.
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