The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) expressed serious concern over worsening security situations, human rights violations, and the spread of misinformation following deadly clashes in Ethiopia’s Gambella region.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the UNHCR announced the temporary suspension of humanitarian services, including food distributions and water supply to the region due to the deteriorating security situations.
UNHCR said it is “deeply alarmed” by the rapid spread of misinformation and hate speech on social media platforms targeting refugees living in the Gambella region.
The agency cautioned that inflammatory narratives risk fueling tensions between refugees and host communities, undermining peace and security in an area already affected by recurring conflict.
The warning comes amid ongoing violence in Gambella City, Gambella district (Abol), and surrounding areas, which the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission says has resulted in loss of life, injuries, and widespread disruption of essential services since November 2025.
Since 7 December 2025, renewed violence in Itang Special Woreda, Gambella city, Abol, and nearby areas has resulted in civilian deaths and injuries, disrupted essential services, and prompted the imposition of a curfew, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said.
The unrest escalated after a 9 December attack in Gambella city that killed four people, including two police officers, and injured eight others. Gunfire disrupted medical services, with hospitals receiving victims of gunshot wounds and facing medicine shortages as pharmacies closed.
Authorities reported the arrest of 18 suspects linked to earlier clashes, while the Gambella regional government, working with federal authorities, said it is taking measures to restore peace and security.
MG/as/APA