Ethiopia: Multiple fatalities reported amid nationwide unrest over killing of prominent Oromo activist on June 30 /update 2

Event

Reports indicate that at least eleven people have died in Ethiopia on Tuesday, June 30, amid nationwide unrest over the killing of prominent Oromo activist Haacaaluu Hundessa. In the eastern city of Adama, nine people were killed and 75 others were injured as police used live fire in an attempt to disperse protesters, and 19 more were injured in the nearby town of Dera. Security forces allegedly set fire to homes, with more than 10 patients in Adama being treated for burns. Similarly, two were allegedly shot dead in the town of Chiro. Security forces stated they did not have any information regarding casualties.

Further unrest and associated security operations are likely in the near term.

Context

Despite Abiy's appointment as Prime Minister in 2018 and the end of the widespread protest campaigns and a state of emergency in the Oromia region, tensions between the government and the Oromo community have remained high in Addis Ababa. Unrest and clashes between protesters and security forces have repeatedly broken out following the killing or arrest of prominent Oromo activists, amid claims that they are being discriminated against in the capital.

Communications networks in Ethiopia are frequently blocked or restricted during major security incidents and unrest, as well as times of heightened political tensions, and the government has often been accused of using the tactic to prevent the spread of rumours and organization of protests via social media.

Advice

Those in Ethiopia are advised to monitor developments and heed any directives issued by local authorities. All demonstrations and political gatherings in Ethiopia should be avoided due to the high risk of incidental violence and aggressive crowd-dispersal operations by security forces.