Situation in Ethiopia's Benishangul-Gumuz Region

 Ethiopia Insight posted on 18 June 2021 a commentary titled the "The Spiraling Situation in Ethiopia's Benishangul-Gumuz Region" by Tsegaye Birhanu, Linnaeus University in Sweden.

The author argues that people in Benishangul-Gumuz Region, which borders Sudan and is the location of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, are not receiving the humanitarian support they need and the attention they deserve.  Ethnic violence is common and over 100,000 people, mainly Amhara and Agaw, have been displaced.  Major roads are closed and food shortages are serious.

Possible Additional US Sanctions on Ethiopia and Eritrea

 Reuters published on 27 May 2021 an article titled "US Warns of Further Action against Ethiopia, Eritrea over Tigray" by Daphne Psaledakis and Patricia Zengerle.

The US acting assistant secretary of state for African affairs testified before the US Senate that the United States is looking at a range of other sanctions on Ethiopia and Eritrea if those stoking conflict in Ethiopia fail to reverse course.  He added while ethnic conflict in Tigray is the worst in Ethiopia, there are also attacks on ethnic Amhara, Gumuz and Oromo.  

Ethiopia: Regional Land Disputes Add to Displaced Persons

Ethiopia Insight published on 8 March 2019 an analysis titled "Benishangul Conflict Spurred by Investment, Land Titling, Rumors" by Mehdi Labzae, French Center for Ethiopian Studies.

A land dispute involving the Gumuz and Oromo people in western Ethiopia has resulted in the displacement of more than 150,000 persons, mostly Oromo. A donor-sponsored land registration program and agricultural investment contributed to the conflict.

Ethnic Violence in Ethiopia

Ethiopia Insight posted on 4 October 2018 an article titled "Tens of Thousands Flee Benishangul after Oromia Border Dispute Flares" by Ermias Tasfaye, Ethiopia Insight, and Soloman Yimer, freelance journalist.

Benishangul-Gumuz is Ethiopia's latest region to experience ethnic violence as the Gumuz community reportedly attacked Oromo and Amhara residents. Tens of thousands have been displaced.

Paper on Ethiopia's Renaissance Dam

Global Dialogue published in its Summer/Autumn 2013 edition a paper titled "The Human Security Dimensions of Dam Development: the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam" by Jennifer C. Veilleux, Oregon State University geography PhD student.  The paper is based on research done at the location of the Renaissance Dam and emphasizes issues of human security.