Ethiopia: Deadly communal clashes in SNNPR region June 16-17

Event

According to a government spokesperson, at least 15 people were killed, and 89 more wounded, in inter-ethnic clashes on Saturday, June 16, and Sunday, June 17, in Ethiopia's South Nations Nationalities and Peoples State (SNNPR). According to local sources, the clashes involved members of the Wolaita and Sidama communities fighting over land rights in the town of Hawassa.

Context

The SNNPR region has experienced several violent incidents in recent weeks. On June 9, a grenade attack wounded at least nine people at Dilla University (Gedeo area).

Advice

Individuals present in SNNPR are advised to monitor development 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.