Addis Ababa: When does a protector become a predator? The recent arrest of Commissioner Tariku Dirbaba, the police commander of Ethiopia’s East Shewa zone, has sent shockwaves through the Oromia region. Accused of illegally selling government-owned weapons, this scandal isn’t just about one rogue officer—it’s a glaring symptom of systemic corruption eroding trust in Ethiopia’s security institutions. For locals in East Shewa, Garjala, and beyond, this case raises urgent questions: How deep does this weapon trade go? And why are the lives of soldiers and civilians being sacrificed for profit?
The East Shewa Scandal: A Tip of the Iceberg
Commissioner Tariku Dirbaba’s alleged involvement in weapon trafficking has exposed a disturbing reality: the illicit trade of arms isn’t limited to shadowy black-market dealers. Instead, it’s thriving within the very institutions tasked with maintaining peace. Reports suggest Dibaba negotiated deals with armed groups, trading rifles, ammunition, and other military gear for cash. The transactions were shockingly brazen—prices were set based on weapon type and quantity, with payments laundered through banks and middlemen.
But why is this story surfacing now? For years, Ethiopians have whispered about corruption among security agents. From low-ranking officers to high-level commanders, the unspoken truth is that weapon sales have become an open secret. What makes the East Shewa case unique is its visibility. Federal police in Garjala intercepted one of Dirbaba’s operations, forcing the issue into the spotlight. Yet, many wonder: Will this lead to real accountability, or is it just another performative crackdown?
How the Weapon Trade Operates: Exploiting Soldiers, Endangering Communities
The mechanics of this illicit trade reveal a chilling disregard for human life. Here’s how it works:
- Collusion with Armed Groups: Commanders like Dibaba allegedly coordinate with rebel factions or criminal networks. They provide weapons from government stockpiles, often “disappearing” them during fake operations or falsifying records.
- Ransom Schemes: In a twisted variation, families of abducted civilians are forced to pay ransoms in weapons instead of cash. A grieving relative might hand over rifles worth millions of birr to secure a loved one’s release.
- Sacrificing Soldiers: Poorly equipped soldiers are sent into conflict zones with deliberately inadequate gear. Their weapons—often sold beforehand by their own commanders—leave them vulnerable. Many die in battles fueled by the same arms traded for profit.
One soldier anonymously shared, “We’re sent to the front lines with empty magazines. Later, we hear our guns were sold to the enemy.” This betrayal isn’t just unethical—it’s a national security crisis.
The Human Cost: Blood Money and Broken Trust
Behind every trafficked weapon is a trail of suffering. In East Shewa, farmers already grappling with drought and instability now face violence exacerbated by illegal arms. Communities report raids by gangs carrying government-issued rifles, while soldiers’ families mourn losses that could’ve been prevented.
The Batte Urgesa case underscores this tragedy. Urgesa, a vocal critic of corruption, was killed under suspicious circumstances. Locals believe Dirbaba orchestrated his murder to silence dissent. “Batte’s blood is on the hands of those who profit from chaos,” said a community leader in Adama, the zone’s capital.
Systemic Corruption: A Culture of Complicity
Dirbaba’s actions didn’t occur in isolation. Insiders claim high-ranking officials across Ethiopia’s military and police forces tolerate—or even profit from—weapon trafficking. When lower-level agents are caught, punishments are rare. “They fight over who gets the biggest cut, not who faces justice,” explained an Addis Ababa-based analyst.
Despite federal police exposing Dirbaba’s operation, no broader investigation has been launched. This inertia suggests protection from powerful figures, leaving many Ethiopians cynical. “If the government won’t hold its own accountable, who will?”
