Ethiopia: Grenade attack in Oromio region leaves nine wounded September 12

Event

A grenade attack on a police station in Burayu (Oromia region), 10 km (6 mi) west of Addis Ababa, in the evening (local time) on Thursday, September 12, wounded nine people, including one police officer. As of Friday, September 13, local authorities have arrested 22 people with suspected ties to the armed rebel group Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) in connection with the attack.

A heightened security presence is expected in the vicinity of the attack over the coming hours. Further attacks in Oromio region are possible over the near term.

Context

Outbreaks of violence continue to plague the country, notably in Oromio region. The OLF has participated in disarmament negotiations with the Ethiopian government as recently as May 2019, but militant factions of the group reportedly still operate in the region.

Advice

Individuals in the Oromio 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.