Ethiopia: Inter-ethnic clashes in Moyale May 6

Event

Clashes between the Oromo and Garre ethnic groups took place in the southern town of Moyale (Oromia region) on Sunday, May 6. The clashes reportedly led to casualties; however, the exact number remains unclear. Several residents were also forced to flee to neighboring Kenya. Further clashes are possible in the coming days and weeks.

Context

The Moyale area has experienced several violent incidents in recent months. On April 17, a grenade exploded inside a bus station, killing at least three people and injuring 60 others. During demonstrations on March 11, soldiers reportedly killed nine civilians and wounded 12 others after mistaking them for rebels.

Ethiopia is currently under a state of emergency, which was declared on February 16 after the resignation of then-Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn. Associated security measures, implemented amid an increasingly tense environment, include a ban on protests and on the production and distribution of publications deemed to incite violence.

Advice

Individuals in Moyale, and more generally 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.