Authorities in Ethiopia’s Somali Region have confirmed the discovery of a mass grave in Dhagax Madow, a district about 70 kilometers from Dhagax Buur, in the Jarar zone.
The grave was uncovered after a local resident, while attempting to dig a latrine, found human remains buried beneath the soil.
Details of the discovery
According to regional officials, the grave contained the remains of four individuals, believed to have been buried there between 2015 and 2016. One of the victims was identified as a 17-year-old boy, last seen when his mother had sent him to herd livestock.
Local leaders say this is not the first time such graves have been found in the area. In past years, several other mass graves have been discovered, containing the remains of people who had gone missing during periods of conflict and instability.
Local reaction
Residents expressed grief and anger, recalling the turbulent years when many families lost loved ones without ever learning their fate. The discovery has revived painful memories of disappearances and alleged killings linked to political and security tensions in the region.
Official response
Jarar regional governor Ahmed Xuseed Ahmed (known as Ahmed Bidhic) confirmed the findings in an interview with the BBC. He stated that local authorities are working to properly document the case and ensure that the remains are handled respectfully.
He added that the discovery highlights the need for truth and accountability regarding past abuses in the Somali region.
Broader context
The Somali Region of Ethiopia has a long history of political unrest, conflict, and human rights concerns. Over the years, both government security forces and armed groups have been accused of abductions, extrajudicial killings, and forced disappearances.
The identification of even a single victim, like the 17-year-old boy in this case, offers a small measure of closure to families who have spent years searching for answers.
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