Young Man Shot Dead by Federal Police Officer in Dilla, South Ethiopia

Residents of the Chichu area in Dilla City, Gedeo Zone, South Ethiopia Region, reported that a young man named Abiti Birhanu was killed after being shot by a Federal Police member. The shooting occurred roughly two kilometers from a Federal Customs checkpoint while the victim, who was married three months ago, was relaxing. Although the exact cause of the incident is unconfirmed, local sources mentioned hearing that it was related to contraband. Following the victim's death, unrest and gunfire broke out in the area for several hours, but local elders and police successfully restored calm. Dilla City Police later announced that the suspect, Sergeant Tinsae Dejene, has been brought before a court. Tikvah Ethiopia noted that repeated attempts to get further explanation from Gedeo Zone and Dilla police were unsuccessful as officials stated they were still compiling information.