During a visit to Gambella on January 28, United States ambassador to Ethiopia
Aurelia Brazeal urged Ethiopia to bring to justice those involved in the Gambella
violence in 2003 and 2004. The Ethiopian government says hundreds of people,
mainly indigenous Anuak, were killed during clashes in Gambella. Opposition and
human rights groups claim that more than 1000 people were killed during the violence.
It is estimated that around ten thousand Anuak refugees fled to Sudan and Kenya.
Brazeal stated that Ethiopia needs to ensure that all people involved in the
incidents, including members of the government, military, and police, are tried
in court. She added that bringing these individuals to justice is an important
step toward preventing further violence in the region. Ethiopian government
spokesman Zemedkun Teckle told IRIN news that the government has recently begun
trying cases related to the violence.
