Ethiopia: Unidentified assailants attacked Chinese nationals in Gebre Gurache town, Oromia Region, Jan. 30.

Event

Unidentified assailants attacked a group of nine Chinese nationals in Gebre Guracha, Oromia Region, Jan. 30, leaving one person dead. The motive for the shooting remains unclear. While no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, Oromo Liberation Army-Shane (OLF-S) militants are likely to have carried out the attack. Gebre Guracha is located about 160 km (99 miles) northwest of the capital Addis Ababa.

Authorities will likely maintain heightened security in the area over the coming days. Police may tighten security near Chinese-owned businesses and industrial areas, especially if officials determine the attack to have specifically targeted the Chinese nationals.

Context

OLF-S remains a major threat in eastern and western Oromia, Benishangul Gumuz, and Southwest and East Shewa zones (Amhara Region) surrounding Addis Ababa. These groups have reportedly attacked government officials and civilians in the past. OLF-S split from the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) after the latter chose to exercise peaceful political opposition against the ruling party. The Ethiopian Parliament designated OLA-S as a terrorist group in 2021 following its alliance with the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).

Advice

Exercise caution in the area. Consider traveling in convoy outside of primary cities and secure locations. Consult trusted local contacts on the status of roads before departure. Maintain contact with your diplomatic mission.