The international outcry over the abduction of university students has been growing, with many people demanding information about the students’ whereabouts and the government’s efforts to secure their release. Reports indicate that 17 students from Dembi Dollo University were kidnapped on December 3, 2019, while they were en route to Addis Ababa via Gambella. Activists and professionals have launched petitions and media campaigns to draw attention to the students’ plight.

According to Asmira Shumiye, one of the students who managed to escape the abduction, the students had initially decided to leave the university grounds after seeing a notice posted by Oromia activists. However, they encountered a road closure on their way to Addis Ababa, prompting them to change their route to Gambella. Unfortunately, their vehicle was stopped, and they were forced out at gunpoint. Asmira stated that the abductors specifically targeted students from the Amhara regional state of Ethiopia and led them to a nearby jungle in full view of the locals.

Asmira recounted that some of the kidnapped students were unable to walk and collapsed during the journey. While the captors were attempting to get them to continue walking, Asmira managed to escape unnoticed. After spending several nights in hiding, she encountered an older Oromo man who, despite speaking little Amharic, sympathized with her situation and helped her escape the area, ensuring her safe return home.

The current count of students who have been kidnapped, as reported by the ongoing petition drive and NaMA (National Movement of Amhara), stands at 17, all of whom are Amhara students, with 14 of them being women. The list of the students who have been abducted, as provided by NaMA, can be found at the conclusion of this article.

According to activists who are working to secure the release of the abducted girls, the individuals responsible for the kidnappings are said to be members of the armed faction of the Oromia Liberation Front known as OLF Shene. Kumsa Diriba, the leader of the OLF Rebels in the region, informed the BBC that his soldiers were not involved in the abductions.

Online petition drives are currently in circulation, with one of them being #BringBackOurGirls!, which is gathering signatures from around the world in order to put pressure on the Ethiopian government to take action. To date, the petition drive has amassed over 15,000 signatures and is rapidly gaining more support. Additionally, the Amahara Professionals Association, based in the United States, is also demanding answers and working to raise awareness about the issue. In a statement to the state-run EBC on Saturday, January 11, 2020, Nigusu Tilahun, the Head of the Prime Minister’s Press Secretariat, revealed that 13 female and 8 male hostages had been released as a result of ongoing negotiations involving elders and members of the Ministry of Defence. He stated that the hostages were released unharmed.

The parents and relatives of the students who were abducted by gunmen in Oromia regional state in western Ethiopia have not received any information about the whereabouts or condition of their loved ones, despite the government’s announcement of their release earlier this month. This has caused great distress and anxiety among the families, who continue to seek answers through various media channels.

Concerns have been raised by activists and family members that the released students may have been subjected to physical and sexual violence during their captivity. Reports of physical intimidation and rape have surfaced, adding to the anguish of those waiting for news about the students. The lack of concrete information has only fueled speculation and fear among the community.

The handling of this situation by the government has sparked international outrage, with many questioning the leadership and accountability of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other prominent female figures in Ethiopia. The silence of Oromo political leaders, who have previously advocated against injustice, has also drawn criticism from observers. The urgency of the situation demands swift action and transparency to address the concerns of the families and ensure the safety and well-being of the abducted students.

The activists advocating for the release of the abducted individuals express a deep sense of anger towards the Amhara regional government for their perceived lack of empathy and action in addressing the situation. The delayed disclosure of the abduction by the President of Amhara state, Temesgen Tiruneh, has only fueled their frustration further. The activists believe that the government’s response has been inadequate and insufficient, especially considering the gravity of the situation.

Since the appointment of Abiy Ahmed as Prime Minister, Ethiopia has faced a series of security challenges, particularly in the Oromia state and its surrounding areas. Many observers attribute the escalation of these crises to the reluctance of both local and central authorities to take decisive action, often influenced by political considerations. Reports have surfaced accusing local governments in Oromia of shielding criminals and concealing criminal activities instead of upholding the principles of justice and law enforcement.

Despite claims by the federal government that they have successfully apprehended criminals and human rights offenders, there remains uncertainty regarding the actual number of prosecutions and convictions. The lack of transparency and accountability in the judicial process raises concerns about the effectiveness of the government’s efforts in combating crime and ensuring justice for the victims. The activists continue to demand greater accountability and swift action from the authorities to address the security challenges plaguing the country.

The following is the roster of kidnapped students in the Oromia area, distributed by NaMA.

1) Belaynesh Mekonnen Demlew (Agricultural economics Department 1st-year student )

2) Samrawit Kere Asres (2ndJournalism student)

3) Zewde Girmaw Fetene (3rd-year Agricultural economics)

4) Mulu Zewdie Adane (2nd-year Sociology )

5) Girmache Yeneneh Adugna (3rd-year Biotechnology)

6) Sergut Tibebu (1st-year Natural Science)

7) Tigist Mesay Mezgebu (Grade 12 preparatory)

8) Meseret Kefyalew Molla (3rd-year natural science)

9) Zemed Berhan Dessie (3rd-year natural science)

10) Monemn Belay Abebe (2nd-year journalism)

11) Tenalem Mulate Kebede (2nd-year Agricultural economics)