Ethiopia: At least five killed during protests in Addis Ababa Sep. 17 /update 4

Event

Federal police officials confirmed at least five fatalities during protests in Addis Ababa on Monday, September 17. According to Police Commissioner Zeynu Jemal, the victims were killed by police officers while attacking security personnel and attempting to take their weapons. An unconfirmed number of people were also wounded in the clashes. Later on Monday, seven opposition parties released a statement condemning the violence and called for an investigation into the police for using lethal force. Further protests are possible in the coming days, particularly in Addis Ababa and the surrounding area. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Protest broke out in Addis Ababa at at Meskel Square, near the prime minister's office (Menelik Palace), the offices of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and in front of the offices of the broadcaster ETV on September 17 to denounce recent intercommunal violence in the Oromia region. Youths believed to be Oromo nationalists from the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) carried out attacks in the localities of Burayu and Ashewa Meda (Oromia region) September 15-16, killing at least 23 people and prompting scores of residents to flee. Addis Ababa residents protested September 16 in front of the national ETV broadcaster, calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice; tensions were reportedly also high in some areas in the north of the capital.

Advice

Individuals in Addis Ababa are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests and large public gatherings as a precaution, anticipate an increased security presence and traffic disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.