Oromia Govt Officials Die During Mandatory Military Training

Six Oromia govt officials have lost their lives undertaking mandatory military training reportedly. The deaths happened at Awash Bishola Military Training Center.

For years, the Oromia regional forces have been fighting an armed group called the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). Last month, the regional government directed all woreda and kebele level officials to undertake mandatory 45-day military training. The decision was made to prepare the employees for defending themselves against attacks by OLA.

Sagni Negasa, an OLA commander who signed peace deal with the government earlier this year, was tasked with training around 17,000 regional government employees. Several of these government officials are in their late 40’s and suffering from various health conditions. Awash Bishola military training center is located in a hot area.

Reportedly, Sagni Negasa made it mandatory for these employees to walk 90 miles in 24 hours. Two died very first day. Around 200 fled the training center. 6 deaths are being confirmed in the 45 day long training period which has been shortened to 30 days. The 30-day training period will end on May 29, 2025.

Critics are questioning the Oromia regional government for forcing the old and unfit government officials to undertake rigorous military training. Interestingly, so far no senior regional level government officials have undertaken any such training. Only lower level employees are being forced to undergo the training.

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