23 Mar 2018 | 09:21 PM UTC
Ethiopia: Fuel blockade in Oromia extended until March 27 /update 2
Fuel blockade in the Oromia region extended until March 27; expect disruptions to fuel supplies
Event
Activists and youth organizations (Qeerroo) have announced that the fuel blockade launched on March 13 in Oromia would be extended until Tuesday, March 27. According to local news reports, a number of gas stations across the country have gone dry, including multiple fuel stations in the capital city of Addis Ababa, which have been closed for several days. Gondar, Bahir Dar, Debre Tabor and other towns in the Amhara region have also been hit hard by fuel shortages, resulting in long wait times for those in need of gas. Fuel truck drivers have been quoted saying they are too fearful of violence and attacks to cross into certain areas, resulting in significantly disrupted routes. Unconfirmed reports claim that three fuel trucks that were operating despite the blockade were set ablaze in retaliation. However, security officials contradict these claims, maintaining that fuel supplies have not been interrupted and trucks are operating as usual.
Context
The activists are protesting the ongoing state of emergency that was declared in mid-February. During demonstrations on March 11, soldiers reportedly killed nine civilians and wounded 12 others after mistaking them for rebels in the Moyale area of the Oromia region. A three-day shutdown strike was also conducted between March 5 and 7.
Outbreaks of violence continue to plague the country, notably in the Oromia region. A heightened security presence is thus to be expected across Ethiopian cities while the state of emergency remains in effect. Associated measures, implemented amid an increasingly tense security environment, include a ban on protests and on the production and distribution of publications deemed to incite violence.
Advice
Individuals in the Oromia region are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid any large gatherings and demonstrations due to the risk of violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities or their home government. All those present in areas affected by fuel shortages are advised to anticipate increased wait times at fuel stations, to replenish fuel supplies whenever possible, and to allow for additional time for travel.
