#Djibouti #Afar Sultan #Drone Strike #Afar

Sultan of Afar Condemns Recent Drone Strike

On February 13, 2025, Sultan Ahmed Alimirah of the Afar people expressed outrage over a drone strike that resulted in the tragic death of eleven village residents. The incident reportedly occurred near the border between Djibouti and Ethiopia on January 30, 2025, during a lengthy four-hour assault that targeted a remote village lacking basic resources.

Details of the Attack

The drone attack was described as brutal, claiming the lives of unarmed civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, who were already facing dire living conditions. In a statement released by the Sultanate of Afar, it was emphasized that the affected area is deprived of essential services such as potable water, healthcare, education, and basic livelihoods. Ahmed Alimirah stated, "The victims of this brutal drone attack were defenseless, targeted without mercy in their struggle to survive."

The Djibouti government has justified the attack by claiming it aimed at terrorist elements, a narrative that has been met with skepticism in the Afar community. The Sultan's statement highlights a long history of systematic persecution and state violence by Djibouti against the Afar people. He accused Djibouti authorities of using civilians in the Afar territory as targets for their military exercises and testing grounds for their lethal weapons.

The Victims

Among those who lost their lives in the attack were:

• - Gamma Ali Orbiss
• - Kako Ali Orbiss
• - Mohamed Aydahis
• - Ali Mohamed Kako
• - Aisha Badul Ali and three children aged between 10 and 13
• - Mohamed Houmed Ali
• - Daoud Louback Hamadou
• - Gohar Ali Omar

In addition to the deceased, several individuals sustained injuries, including:

• - Maryam Mohammed Abdallah
• - Fatuma Camad Casasn
• - Qali Mohammed Qali
• - Qabdalla Qali Qabdalla
• - Faarac Kadir Mohammed

Evidence and Calls for Action

The Sultanate claims to possess incriminating evidence of the attack, including graphic images of the victims. They indicate a willingness to share this information with human rights organizations, investigative bodies, and international legal authorities in hopes of seeking justice. Sultan Alimirah has called upon these organizations and the global community to investigate the matter thoroughly, advocate for those affected in the region, and put an end to the continuous atrocities faced by the Afar people.

For additional information regarding this incident or ways to assist the Afar people, media contacts can reach Abdallah Alimirah at [email protected]

Conclusion

The recent drone attack represents a dire situation that the Afar community faces, showing systemic issues of violence and neglect from the government of Djibouti. The Sultan's condemnation sheds light on the urgent need for international attention and intervention.