Ethiopia: Protests reported in Sodo following arrest of zonal leaders on August 9

Event

Several overnight protests are reported to be underway in Sodo, south-central Ethiopia, following the arrest of local zonal leaders and activists on Sunday, August 9. Unconfirmed social media sources show dozens of protesters marching the streets demanding the release of the detainees, with some erecting roadblocks and starting several small fires. There are also reports of gunshots having been fired. A heightened security presence is likely in Sodo as security forces attempt to disperse the protesters.

Further unrest is anticipated in the area over the coming days.

Advice

Those in the area 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.