Ethiopia: Gunmen kill five mining workers in Oromia region March 19

Event

Gunmen killed five workers, including two foreign nationals, in an attack on mining facilities in Nedjo (Oromia region) on Tuesday, March 19. The gunmen have yet to be identified and officials have not disclosed the nationalities of the foreign workers. A heightened security presence is expected in and around Nedjo in the coming weeks; additional violence cannot be ruled out.

Context

A heightened security presence is to be expected in Oromia as the government enforces disarmament efforts with the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) rebels. While the OLF agreed to a ceasefire in July 2018, former OLF leader Dawud Ibsa, who returned to Ethiopia from exile in September, claims that the group has not agreed to a disarmament framework. This has led to heightened hostilities, with the government now declaring it will enforce the disarmament through force if necessary.

In January 2019, Ethiopian security forces began an operation targeting OLF factions accused of violence similar to this most recent attack.

Advice

Individuals in the Oromia region are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, 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 governments.