Brief History
Historically, Benishangul was an integral part of Sudan until 1898. A map that is available in the BritishMuseum, the Archives House in Sudan, and the Archives House in Egypt supports this historical
fact. After 1898, the Ethiopians hired this region from the British for 25 years in order to utilize the gold mines that found there in abundance.
The Geographical Location:
Benishangul is located between Sudan andEthiopia in a strip extending by approximately 250-300 kilometers, and it borders Eritrea from the north,
Sudan from the west, Oromia, Amhara, and Tigry
from the east and Gambia from the south.
The Population:
The population of Benishangul consists of tribes such as Mao, Koma, Gomuz, and Berta. These tribes have intermarried with the Sudanese tribes and constituted racial group known as Whataweet and Funj. There is
no accurate census on the population of Benishangul because the population scattered in inaccessible jungles and mountains and there are not even seasonal roads to connect them in their hinterlands. However, it is estimated to be
about three millions.
About two millions of Benishangul population has been displaced, mainly to Sudan, because of systemic genocide and revenge campaigns carried out by the Ethiopian regimes. The purpose of these campaigns has been to replace the indigenous people by the upper land Ethiopians in order to change its ethnic identity.
Natural Resources:
Benishangul region is located between the savanna, rich savanna, and equator. Water resources are in abundance. Several rivers and streams are running in this region. Heavy rains are
common with an average of 1000-1500 millimeters. As a result, the land is covered with green grass for most of the year and thick forests with tall trees. The region is rich in timber. As well, the region is rich in
unexploited natural resources such as gold, marble, cobalt, copper, and oil. The satellites have discovered them.
Human Resources:
People in the region suffer from illiteracy as a result of the imposition of Ethiopian schools that teach in Amharic language that is alien to them. Until 1995, there was only one university graduate from
Benishangul. Most of the population depends on gathering; hunting, traditional farming, and traditional mining, that yields little production.
Services:
People in Benishangul lack basic services such as passable roads, clean drinking water, basic education, basic health care, and communication network. They depend on rains and traditional wells as a
source of drinking water. There is also lack of hospitals and clinics.
NATURAL RESOURCES
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ATTENTION INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
THE EPRDF/ETHIOPIAN GOVERNMENT HAS WAGED GENOCIDE AGAINST THE ETHIOPIAN PEOPLE OF BENISHANGUL.....WON’T YOU
PLEASE HELP US RAISE AWARENESS BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE?!?!
BENISHANGUL HUMAN RIGHTS FOUNDATION
INTERVIEW: IBRAHIM YOUSUF, CHAIRMAN
courtesy of: Ethiopiawinet Betegbar Internet Radio