Ethiopia: Renewed ethnic violence in Oromia region and unversities nationwide Dec. 11

Event

At least 15 people were killed and another 12 injured on Monday, December 11, in escalating violence in the Oromia region. Security forces allegedly fired on a group of protesters on Monday in the town of Chelenko in the East Hararghe area. The demonstrators had reportedly set up a number of roadblocks in the city. Local officials have stated that they have opened an investigation into the incident.

Additionally, a number of incidents potentially linked to ethnic violence have been reported at universities across the country on Monday. Two students were killed during fighting among student groups at Woledga University in Shambu. Authorities have reportedly detained several suspects involved in the violence. Over the weekend of December 9-10, a student at Adigrat University (Tigray state) was killed in fighting possibly linked to ethnic violence. The incident triggered ongoing protests at the universities of Gonder and Woldiya in Amhara state, and Ambo and Haramaya in Oromia state.  Securirty forces have reportedly been deployed to restore order on university campuses.

Context

Protesters had reportedly gathered on Monday to denounce the killing of a local man by security forces. 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.

Tensions between the Ormor and Somali ethnic groups have increased after renewed fighting in late November. At least 20 people were killed in renewed fighting 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 conflict has displaced at least 200,000 people and killed hundreds more.The two groups are involved in a historical dispute over the territorial boundaries between the Somali and Oromo regional states.

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.