Fighting in the Belo Region & Subsequent Reconciliation
Lambrick Park Church - July 14, 2008

Editor's Note: Despite the futile attempt by the Woyane regime to create animosity between Oromo and Gumuz, elders of the two peace-loving peoples have begun the reconciliation process. Read also about the Michu institution of reconciliation of Oromo. Yet another institution of reconciliation of Oromo is called Burying the Spear: read here for details. We need to preserve and protect these institutions as they are manifestations of the triumph of Gadaa democratic values over Woyane's aggression.

Food for the Hungry/Ethiopia has peen operating child development project in Belo Jeganfoy District since April 2000 and integrating community development project in Sasiga since June 2004. Both districts are situated at the adjacent border regions of Benishangul Gumuz and Oromia Regional States with potential border conflict due to unclear demarcation and claim for more land.

A terrible conflict took place on May 17, 2008 around a place called Shenkora, where hundreds of people were killed since the villagers were not ready either to defend them selves or flee the onslaught. Similarly, Oromia and Gumuz villages - including Belo Central were severely destroyed; as a result of the attack and the counter attacks that took place subsequently.

Yet the process of reconciliation is well progressing. Both community members of Gumuz and Oromo were reconciled and start sharing the same market. In the process of reconciliation three oxen and four lambs were cut. They feast together and main leaders from both communities shake hand with the blood. Besides, they broke a bone. The breaking as one of the leaders explained indicates that anyone who comes either from Oromo or Gumuz to attack the other must be broken like the bone. This indicates that peace prevails in the area. Leaders also confidently informed us that the security situation is reliable. Read More.