To the Chief Editor of Ethiopian News Paper the Reporter

Subject: Request for Correction and Clarification on December 28, 2024 Editorial

#Araweelo _News _Network

Dear Chief Editor,

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the editorial published on December 28, 2024, titled “Dark Force from Somaliland Kill at Least 83 on Ethiopian Territory.” The article contained several inaccuracies and misrepresentations that not only misinform your readers but also risk exacerbating tensions between communities in the region.

Your report claims that the Somaliland army crossed into Ethiopian territory and participated in the tragic events in Harshin District. This assertion is entirely unfounded. As someone well-informed about the situation, I can confirm that no Somaliland military forces were involved in these incidents. Instead, the violence in Harshin was the result of a coordinated assault by the Liyu Police, working in collaboration with the Ogaden militia.

Sequence of Events

At approximately 4:30 AM on the morning of the attack, the Liyu Police and Ogaden militia launched a joint operation targeting villages primarily inhabited by members of the Arab clan. Eyewitness accounts describe armed forces storming the area, attacking unarmed civilians, and creating widespread panic. Women, children, and the elderly were disproportionately affected, resulting in significant loss of life and injuries.

Reports indicate that prominent elders from the Isaaq clan were present in the vicinity during the attack. Preliminary assessments suggest that many elders may have been killed, though independent verification is still pending. Tragically, the total death toll stands at 175 individuals, predominantly women and children from the Arab clan.

In addition to the loss of human lives, the attackers also inflicted severe harm on livestock, a vital source of livelihood for these communities. This destruction has left the affected families in an even more precarious situation, compounding their grief and economic hardship.

Misrepresentation in Your Report

Your article alleges that the Somaliland army crossed the border to participate in the violence. This is not only factually incorrect but also misleading. The villagers in Harshin defended themselves against the unprovoked aggression of the Liyu Police and Ogaden militia. The Somaliland army had no involvement in this incident, and such claims risk tarnishing Somaliland’s reputation and inflaming unnecessary tensions between Ethiopia and Somaliland.

The Role of the Liyu Police

The Liyu Police have a history of being used as a tool for clan-based violence, and this incident is no exception. Their actions in Harshin were targeted, deliberate, and aimed at intimidating and displacing the Arab clan communities. Such behavior undermines regional stability and highlights the failure of the regional government to maintain peace and protect its citizens.

The Responsibility of Journalism

As a respected publication, The Reporter has a duty to provide balanced and accurate information to its readers. The misrepresentation in your editorial undermines the trust placed in your reporting. I urge you to:

  1. Collect firsthand accounts and evidence to verify the events in Harshin,in Dacawalay  Qabale
  2. Acknowledge the inaccuracies in your original report and provide a factual account of the incident.
  3. Use this opportunity to illuminate the root causes of such conflicts, including governance challenges, clan dynamics, and regional security issues.
  4. The Reporter to uphold its journalistic responsibilities

The incident in Harshin district is a tragedy that requires thoughtful and accurate reporting. Your readers deserve to understand the complexities of this situation without being misled by one-sided narratives. I hope The Reporter will take corrective action to maintain its reputation as a credible news source.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to seeing a follow-up article that reflects a more balanced and factual account of the events in the Harshin district.

The information contained in the article posted represents the views and opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions commentators. the article a opininian of the author don’t necessarily reflect the Editorial policy of Araweelo News Network.

Sincerely,
ENG.ABDI ALI BARKHAD

Independent Political Analyst
As a proud Somali Ethiopian born in Dire Dawa, I have gained valuable experiences that shape my perspective and ambitions. My educational journey in this vibrant country (Ethiopia) has equipped me with knowledge and skills that drive me toward a brighter future.