Ethiopia: Tourists attacked in Afar region Dec. 3

Event

Unidentified armed men attacked a group of foreign tourists in the Afar region, near the Eritrean border, on Sunday, December 3. One German tourist was reportedly killed and one local guide was wounded in the attack. At least ten others (including tourists and guides) have also been kidnapped, according to reports. It remains unclear who is behind the attack; further details are still emerging.

Context

The tourists are believed to have been visiting the Erta Ale volcano in Afar. Banditry is common in the area, where both Eritrean and Ethiopian separatist rebels have operated in the past, and kidnappings have been known to occur in Afar. In 2012, five foreign tourists were killed, two injured and four kidnapped in the area. Both the Eritrean and the Ethiopian governments blamed each other for the attack. In 2007, five Europeans and 13 Ethiopians were kidnapped in Afar and eventually released.

Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993, but a border war broke out five years later, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of people. Despite an official end to hostilities, relations between the two countries remain tense, and the security situation can be volatile along the border area.

Advice

Individuals in Ethiopia, especially in the Afar region, 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.