Both Omot Ojulu and Alemitu Omot possessed detailed knowledge of the insurgency movement
Alemitu and Omot concealed the information the federal goverment needs to know
orchestrated by the Anyuak. However, Omot Ojulu’s involvement appears to be more pronounced, as he allowed insurgents to repeatedly target Nuer communities.
If the federal government seeks to hold accountable those responsible for the violence in Gambella, the focus should be on individuals such as Omot Ojulu and Alemitu Omot, rather than on arresting Nuer individuals who had no part, plan, or agenda in the Gambella crisis.
Several key reasons highlight why Omot Ojulu and Alemitu Omot should be held accountable:
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Collaboration with Insurgents: Both Omot and Alemitu provided shelter to members of the GPLM (Gambella People’s Liberation Movement), an insurgent group that directly supported the destabilizing actions responsible for widespread violence in the region.
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Concealing Activities from Federal Authorities: Omot, in particular, misled federal authorities by suggesting that the conflict would be resolved through mediation by elders, while simultaneously allowing insurgent groups to attack Nuer civilians. When the Nuer attempted to defend themselves, Omot escalated the situation by falsely reporting to the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) that the attackers were South Sudanese Nuer, which further exacerbated the violence.
The Prime Minister’s efforts to restore peace to Gambella by holding accountable those responsible for the loss of life are commendable. However, key Nuer political leaders have withheld critical information about the role of certain Anyuak leaders. This information is essential for the government to make informed decisions and take decisive action.
Had the Nuer Members of Parliament (MPs) been unified in their stance, many lives could have been saved. The federal government would have had the information necessary to act swiftly and address the insurgency early on, potentially preventing much of the destruction and loss of life.
Unfortunately, the failure of many Nuer MPs to take a clear position has allowed the situation to continue, with some members indirectly supporting the actions of Anyuak militants for political gain. This type of behavior is both naive and counterproductive.
To ensure justice, it is imperative that individuals such as Othow Okoth, Omot Ojulu, and Alemitu Omot face consequences for their actions. Failure to address their roles in the violence will only perpetuate the cycle of killings and instability in the region.
Alemitu Omot’s actions, in particular, are egregious. She had the means to prevent much of the violence. Not only did she shelter insurgents, but she also concealed vital information from the Prime Minister and other authorities regarding the presence of the GPLM and Lwa Chiri in Gambella—groups whose explicit goal is to terrorize the Nuer population and force them out of Ethiopia.
When the Berbereseb suburb was attacked by overwhelming forces of Anyuak militants, Alemitu provided contradictory information to those who could have intervened to save lives. She directed the Gambella Special Force to focus on their areas instead of deploying to stop the violence.
At the same time, she informed the ENDF that the Gambella Special Force would separate the fighters, thus misleading them. Her belief was that the Nuer in Berbereseb should be destroyed.
However, when the Nuer successfully pushed back the attackers in an act of self-defense, Alemitu then informed the ENDF to intervene and protect the Anyuak. This is a verified account, which the ENDF general in Gambella can confirm.
The ENDF only became involved after the Anyuak insurgents retreated under pressure from the Nuer forces, eventually fleeing to the 04 Kebele area.
This event highlights why Alemitu Omot can no longer lead Gambella. Her failure to act in the best interests of the region and her active role in undermining efforts for peace have severely damaged her credibility.
Her actions are part of a broader pattern that further complicates the already volatile situation in Gambella. It is crucial that the Nuer Members of Parliament in Gambella pass this information on to the Prime Minister.
While we understand the frustration surrounding the Gambella issue, it is clear that keeping in power individuals who are either collaborators or the architects of the violence will not lead to resolution. The problem will persist if the leadership responsible for fueling the conflict remains in position.
For the federal government’s efforts to end the violence to succeed, it is essential that Alemitu Omot be removed from her position of power. Her continued leadership is incompatible with the government’s peacebuilding objectives. For lasting peace in Gambella, it is imperative that she, along with others responsible for perpetuating the violence, be held fully accountable for their actions.
This article was written by Pam chuol Joack, a Gambella Vision Contributior and an expert in Gambella Affair
