Ethiopia: Further ethnic violence in Oromia region Dec. 14-17

Event

At least 61 people were killed in ethnic clashes between Thursday, December 14, and Sunday, December 17, in the Oromia region. On Thursday, ethnic Somalis attacked ethnic Oromos in the Hawi Gudina and Daro Lebu districts, killing 29 people. This triggered revenge attacks by Oromos that left 32 Somalis dead. The cause of this latest surge of violence remains unknown, but follows a violent protest that occurred in Chelenko on December 11, during which police forces killed 16 Oromos.

Context

Tensions between the Oromo and Somali ethnic groups have increased following renewed fighting that broke out in late November. At least 20 people were killed in Oromo and Somali states November 20-27, and over 103 people were arrested in connection to clashes that erupted between the two groups in August and September. The two groups are involved in a historical dispute over the territorial boundaries between the Somali and Oromo regional states.

The Oromia region has been the site of sporadic anti-government protests for the past three years over the alleged historic marginalization of the region by the Ethiopian government.

Advice

Individuals in Ethiopia are advised to keep abreast of the situation, remain vigilant, and avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering due to the risk of violence. Adhere to any instructions issued by authorities.