Lahore, Pakistan: Abdul Rafay Afzal, President of the Civil Society Network Pakistan (CSNWP) and renowned international journalist has issued a Statement condemning the recent massacre in the Da’awaley area of the Somali region in Ethiopia. The attack, which led to the deaths of hundreds of civilians and displaced thousands, has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and international communities alike.
In the official press release, CSNWP expressed deep sorrow over the devastating violence and reiterated the organization’s firm stance that the killing of one human is the killing of humanity itself. The statement emphasized that such tragedies, whether they occur in Pakistan, India, Palestine, or Ethiopia, must be met with swift action and justice. CSNP called on the Ethiopian government to take immediate steps to stop the violence, protect civilians, and ensure accountability for the perpetrators.
The massacre, which occurred in Da’awaley, a predominantly Arab Isaxaaq settlement, was reportedly carried out by the Liyuu Police and local militias, who attacked civilians and traditional leaders working toward peace in the region. Eyewitnesses described scenes of widespread destruction, with homes destroyed and many civilians killed, wounded, or abducted.
President Abdul Rafay Afzal of CSNP emphasized the need for urgent action, calling for an impartial investigation into the massacre and the prosecution of those responsible. He also urged the Ethiopian authorities to provide protection for the affected Isaxaaq community and to urgently address the growing humanitarian crisis by providing food, shelter, and medical support for the displaced individuals.
The CSNP press release further stressed the importance of promoting dialogue and reconciliation efforts to address the root causes of the violence and avoid further escalation. Afzal called on the Ethiopian government to foster peacebuilding initiatives and uphold the principles of human rights and the rule of law.
“The killing of one human being is an attack on all of humanity,”
said Afzal in the release.
“Whether it happens in Ethiopia or elsewhere, we must all unite in standing against such violence and working toward justice and peace.”
In addition to calling for immediate intervention, CSNP urged the international community to remain engaged and supportive of efforts to bring justice to the victims. Human rights organizations and global actors were encouraged to monitor the situation closely and advocate for those responsible to be held accountable.
Abdul Rafay Afzal’s call for action comes amid growing concern that without swift intervention, the violence in Ethiopia’s Somali region could spiral further, exacerbating the already dire situation for the displaced communities. CSNP remains committed to advocating for peace, justice, and the protection of human rights in all regions of the world, underscoring that every life lost to violence is a loss to humanity as a whole.
As the crisis continues to unfold, the Civil Society Network Pakistan will continue to press for action, urging Ethiopian authorities to act immediately to protect civilians and restore peace to the region.
