Mediation efforts underway to resolve security crisis in Gurage Zone

Traditional mediation efforts have commenced to address security crises in the Gurage and East Gurage zones, specifically in the Abeshge and East Sodo districts. Residents report that the insecurity stems from both attacks by militants crossing from the neighboring Oromia region and local armed groups hiding in forests who frequently clash with security forces and the community. This instability has resulted in deaths, injuries, and frequent kidnappings for ransom. At the request of the Gurage Zone administration and the local Command Post, the 'Joka' traditional council has initiated a peace process. Council chairman Agaz Belayneh Gebremariam stated that they have contacted forest-based militants via phone and received a positive response to their peace proposal. A formal peace ceremony is scheduled for Thursday in the city of Welkite.