Ethiopia: Oromo Youth Liberation Movement to strike through late September in Oromia Region

The Oromo Youth Liberation Movement, also known as Qeerroo, has called for a widespread strike across Ethiopia's Oromia Region through late September. The strike, which started early Sept. 6, aims to protest alleged oppression and violence by the federal government against ethnic Oromos. As part of the action, organizers plan to impose movement restrictions and set up roadblocks on major thoroughfares and businesses, including shops, markets, banks, hotels, and government offices, to remain closed during the strike period. However, essential services like ambulances and media outlets will reportedly continue to operate. As of late Sept. 6, the status and impact of the action remains unclear.

Officials will likely maintain increased security measures in urban centers of Oromia due to the threat of additional demonstrations. Security personnel are likely to fire tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds and could enforce curfews if unrest occurs. Protesters may throw stones at police and indiscriminately attack vehicles passing near demonstrations. Transport disruptions are possible as security forces may close roads leading into and out of towns where protests are taking place. Business closures may take place as part of the strike. Authorities may disrupt telecommunications networks locally; officials have previously suspended internet access during periods of severe unrest.