The calls included actions against: 1) Racial Discrimination, 2) State obligation to protect and ensure economic development, economic, social, and cultural rights, 3) Freedom of movement, 4)The right to equal treatment in the justice system, 5) Protection Against Violence, and 6) Access to Remedies and Justice for Crimes of Racial Discrimination.

Soon highlander civilians and ENDF soldiers armed with machetes, axes, sticks, and iron bars in groups of about 30-50 began to roam through the Anuak neighborhoods of Gambela killing people and setting fire to buildings and homes.

Anuak civilians fled into the forests surrounding the town and 382 had sought refuge in a catholic church.

[7] The start of the June 2022 violence in Gambela, the Southern SNNPR region is associated with a demonstration held by ‘non-indigenous’ also known as Degegnoch or high-landers, requesting local officials for protection from the frequent attacks against the group.

However, reports show that ENDF (federal army) and regional forces fired toward the demonstrators causing casualties.