Ethiopia: Amhara and Oromo communities plan anti-Tigray protests November 12

Event

Members of the Amhara and Oromo communities are planning to hold protests across their respective regions on Thursday, November 12, to denounce alleged atrocities committed by the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front (TPLF). Amharic leaders stated that demonstrations would take place at 14:30 (local time) across the region but encouraged ethnic Amharas outside the region not to demonstrate as security sources were currently stretched with the ongoing conflict in the Tigrayan region. Similar demonstrations are planned in Oromia state. Meanwhile, the Addis Ababa mayor's office also called for demonstrations and urged residents to donate blood and money to support government troops in Tigray.

Protests associated with the ongoing conflict are expected across the country in the near term and are likely to be accompanied by a heightened security presence and localized disruptions to transport.

Context

The calls for protests come amid ongoing military operations by the government in Tigray region. The clashes began on Wednesday, November 4, and have reportedly resulted in hundreds of casualties so far. Tens of thousands have also been displaced, with many feeling to Sudan.

Advice

Those in Ethiopia, particularly in the Amhara and Oromia regions, are advised to monitor the situation, avoid large gatherings as a precaution, and heed all directives issued by local authorities.