Rebel group kidnaps dozens of people in western Ethiopia

Nearly 145 civilians have been abducted by a rebel group in the western Benishangul-Gumuz region following heavy fighting with security forces in Ethiopia.

The state-appointed Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said a group calling itself the Gumuz People’s Democratic Movement (GPDM) abducted the civilians in Sedal Woreda following the clashes.

The clash between the security forces and the rebel group have left thousands displaced.

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The displaced people will face dire humanitarian challenge unless they are assisted, the commission and local media outlet The Reporter wrote.