Ethiopia’s Transport Sector Under Siege: Rising Attacks Amid Armed Conflicts

Ethiopia’s Transportation Sector Under Siege: Escalating Attacks Amid Armed Conflicts

Ethiopia, a nation with a complex history of internal strife and armed conflicts, is witnessing a disturbing rise in violence targeting its transportation sector. Freight operators, drivers, and mass transit services have increasingly become vulnerable to attacks from armed groups and government forces. These security challenges pose a severe threat to the country's economy and the safety of those who depend on the transport industry for their livelihood and mobility.

Armed Conflicts and the Transportation Sector

The transportation sector in Ethiopia has always been vital to the country's economic stability and infrastructure. However, its role in maintaining the flow of goods and people has made it a prime target during periods of conflict. Ethiopia's persistent internal armed struggles, fueled by political, ethnic, and territorial tensions, have intensified in recent years, leading to widespread disruptions.

Freight operators transporting essential goods across the country have been increasingly caught in the crossfire. Reports of vehicles being stopped by armed groups demanding ransoms, detaining drivers, and looting valuable cargo have surged. These attacks are not only financially devastating but also contribute to supply chain disruptions that exacerbate the nation's economic challenges. In some cases, mass transit services, crucial for the daily commute of millions of Ethiopians, have also been targeted, leading to a growing sense of insecurity among the public.

Surge in Attacks and Ransom Detentions

Recent years have seen an alarming escalation in assaults on Ethiopia's transport operators. Armed groups, operating in conflict-prone regions, have leveraged their territorial control to carry out violent acts against drivers. These assaults range from physical violence to the extortion of money and resources. Many freight companies have reported being forced to pay large sums to armed factions just to ensure the safe passage of their trucks through volatile areas.

One of the most troubling trends is the rise in ransom detentions. Drivers, often caught unaware, are held captive for days or weeks, with their employers or families forced to negotiate for their release. These kidnappings not only endanger the lives of drivers but also have a ripple effect on the wider transportation network, as fear of potential abduction deters individuals from taking up such jobs.

Government Forces and Allegations of Abuse

While armed groups are primarily responsible for these attacks, reports have also surfaced regarding the involvement of government forces in harassing transportation operators. In some instances, drivers claim they have been detained or subjected to fines and bribes by security personnel. This dual threat from both insurgents and government forces creates a climate of distrust and fear, undermining the effectiveness of the state’s ability to provide safe passage for its citizens.

The government's counter-insurgency operations, while aimed at restoring stability, have often involved extensive roadblocks, searches, and even the requisition of vehicles for military use. Drivers working for freight and transport services have expressed concerns that they are caught between warring factions, with little protection from either side.

Impact on Ethiopia's Economy and Daily Life

The transportation sector plays a critical role in Ethiopia’s economy, particularly as the country seeks to modernize its infrastructure and promote trade. The ongoing attacks disrupt not only local commerce but also international supply chains that rely on the movement of goods through Ethiopia's ports and land routes. With rising costs due to increased security measures and insurance premiums, businesses are finding it harder to sustain operations in such a volatile environment.

Moreover, the broader Ethiopian public is feeling the effects of these disruptions. Mass transit services, including buses and minibusses, have become unreliable due to the threat of violence. In certain regions, public transportation has been halted altogether, leaving communities isolated and struggling to access essential services like healthcare and education.

Government Response and International Concerns

The Ethiopian government has been vocal in condemning the violence against its transportation sector. However, concrete measures to ensure the safety of drivers and restore confidence in the system have been slow to materialize. International observers have expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation, warning that continued instability in the transportation sector could further exacerbate Ethiopia's humanitarian crisis.

There have been calls for increased international mediation to address the root causes of the conflicts driving this violence. Some analysts suggest that Ethiopia needs to adopt a more holistic approach that includes greater investment in infrastructure security, alongside peace-building efforts in conflict zones.

The rising tide of violence targeting Ethiopia's transportation sector is a reflection of the broader instability gripping the country. As armed groups and government forces continue to battle for control, drivers and freight operators find themselves in an increasingly perilous position. Unless the Ethiopian government, along with international stakeholders, can take meaningful action to secure transport routes and address the underlying conflicts, the future of the sector—and the nation's economic recovery—remains uncertain.

The urgency to safeguard Ethiopia’s transportation network cannot be overstated, as its collapse would have devastating consequences for the country's economy and daily life.

Original article:

#Ethiopia: Threats on wheels: Ethiopia’s transportation sector faces escalating attacks by armed groups, gov’t forcesAmid Ethiopia's persistent armed conflicts, the transportation sector faces significant challenges, impacting freight operators and mass transit services alike. Reports of assaults, ransom detentions, and violence against drivers have surged in recent years, particularly in regions like #Oromia, #Amhara, and #Afar. The Ethiopian Heavy Truck Drivers Association (#EHTDA) has labeled certain routes, like the #Welenchiti - #Awash route, as perilous due to recurrent militant attacks.Tewodros Tilahun, a veteran truck driver, expressed deep concern over the escalating violence, citing incidents of armed robberies and property destruction across various regions. He highlighted the risks drivers face, including demands for exorbitant bribes at checkpoints. Residents like Tesfaye Gadessa and drivers like Meskerem Abebe detailed the pervasive violence along routes like Wolenchiti-Metehara, causing fear and disrupting daily operations. Solomon Zewdu of EHTDA condemned the lack of response from security forces, stressing the human toll and financial burdens drivers endure.Deputy Chairman of EHTDA, Addis Alemayehu recounted negotiating for drivers' release from militants, lamenting the loss of a close friend during a rescue attempt. Dereje Sisay, EHTDA's president, criticized the government's inadequate response and security personnel's involvement in extortion. Federal Police Commissioner General Demelash Gebremichael acknowledged the national crisis, promising investigations into security forces' complicity. The assaults threaten Ethiopia's economy, especially its reliance on the #Djibouti corridor for essential goods transport.The impacts extend beyond economics, affecting healthcare access and food assistance delivery to drought-affected areas like #Waghimra Zone in Amhara region. https://addisstandard.com/in-depth-threats-on-wheels-ethiopias-transportation-sector-faces-escalating-attacks-by-armed-groups-govt-forces/

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